The Ministry of Culture and Youth UAE, in collaboration with ALECSO (Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation), announced the agenda of the 22nd session of the Conference of Arab Culture Ministers, which kicks off tomorrow Sunday, December 19, 2021, at Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo 2020. The conference will run for two days until Monday December 20.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, in the presence of Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director General of ALECSO and Her Excellency Dr. Ines Abdel Dayem, Minister of Culture of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and Chair of the 21st session of the Conference of Arab Culture Ministers.

Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi said: “This session of the Conference of Arab Culture Ministers is truly momentous for being held in conjunction with Expo 2020 Dubai, the largest cultural event in the world that celebrates the diversity of human cultures and gives the opportunity to learn about the cultures of 192 countries. Events such as these reiterate the Arab region’s position as a springboard for cultural exchange and encourage meaningful and constructive human and cultural convergence. The conference also marks the World Arabic Language Day. On this day in 1973, Arabic was adopted as an official language at the United Nations, a decision that underlines the status of Arabic as a global language. Arabic is the language of more than 420 million people worldwide and played a pivotal role in enriching human heritage and civilization and made key contributions to science during the golden period of Arab civilization.”

"This conference is taking place at a time when the world is experiencing many challenges resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. Culture, creativity and arts have given people hope to face the pandemic when the world was witnessing lockdowns. This goes to show why we need to pay special attention to our cultural and creative industries and strengthen them so that they can become a major contributor to sustainable development," Her Excellency noted.   

Her Excellency added: “Since its first session, the Conference of Arab Culture Ministers has been growing in its capacity as a definitive platform for promoting Arab cultural cooperation and developing new ways to help the advancement of Arab culture. The agenda of the conference centres on the idea of modernising and developing a comprehensive plan for promoting Arab culture and cultural cooperation between Arab nations as well as with other countries of the world. We also aim to unify Arab efforts in various cultural fields, including joint efforts to register intangible heritage with UNESCO and develop the cultural and creative industries in the region. The conference will discuss the role of Sheikha Alyazia bint Nahyan Al Nahyan, who was appointed the Ambassador for Arab Culture by ALECSO.”

Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi concluded: "The UAE is keen to strengthen the existing relations and partnership with ALECSO in aspects related to all areas of the organisation's work, as it is an active partner in leading Arab cultural cooperation efforts and enhancing coordination at the level of Arab countries. Hosting the conference is a translation of our leadership’s vision to support Arab culture as the link between the people of the region, and it confirms ALECSO’s pivotal role in this field.”

For his part, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar stressed on the importance of the strategic partnership between ALECSO and the UAE, and its role in achieving cultural integration among Arab countries.

“Top on the agenda for ALECSO is the joint Arab cultural project, which needs to be executed as a priority. Arab countries need to forge cooperation in the field of cultural and heritage protection and support cultural institutions in the region.”

His Excellency Ould Amar pointed out the importance of the ongoing efforts to develop and restructure the work of the Conference of Arab Culture Ministers to align with the government’s work in promoting culture in Arab countries. He also highlighted the role of culture in promoting dialogue and peace and mending relations between nations.

Her Excellency Dr. Ines Abdel Dayem commented: “Through the conference we aim to review the comprehensive plan for Arab culture and seek new ways to enhance communication and cultural cooperation between Arab countries. While we look back at the accomplishments of the past several years, we shall also take stock of the current situation in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which has put all cultural activities on the line, due to the social distancing protocol.” 

Her Excellency Ines stressed the importance of joint Arab cultural work, considering culture as the ideal backdrop for reunification of Arab countries.

“This session will action the suggestions of the member states of the Permanent Committee for Arab Culture for constructive cooperation. We will implement a draft plan aimed at developing Arab culture and enhancing joint Arab work in the field.”

Her Excellency thanked the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, for hosting the conference, and Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi for excellent organisation of the session. She also extended a note of thanks to ALECSO led by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Ould Amar, and to all the high-ranking ministers and the team of experts and researchers from member states. She wished ALECSO all the success to achieve tangible results for the upliftment of Arab culture, and to build new bridges to the world.

The Conference of Arab Culture Ministers comes within the framework of the cooperative relations between the Ministry of Culture and Youth of the UAE and ALECSO to implement the decision of the 21st session. The 21st session of the conference had several achievements such as launching projects in areas of joint Arab cultural work and opening new horizons for the development of plans and cultural projects to elevate the status of Arab culture regionally as well as globally.