The Abu Dhabi Cultural Summit discusses the challenges of the cultural sector and ways to develop it on March 8th

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi announced the program for the fourth edition of the Abu Dhabi Cultural Summit, which will be held via virtual platforms under the slogan “Culture and its role in promoting economic growth” during the period from 8 to 10 March 2021. The public is free of charge, and those wishing can register attendance through its website.

The fourth edition of the Abu Dhabi Cultural Summit will witness the participation of a group of experts from different sectors, including heritage, arts, media, cultural policies, design and technology, as part of a series of dialogues, discussion sessions, case studies, technical dialogues and performance performances.

The general program sheds light on the challenges and opportunities for concerted efforts to work together to develop and build flexible and cooperative creative systems. It will also address the social and economic gains achieved by the creative and cultural sector around the world, with a special focus on the importance of exchanging knowledge and inspiring ideas and developing effective mechanisms and policies.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “The Cultural Summit adopts an ambitious vision in pursuit of its goal of creating a positive global impact by providing a platform that brings together leaders and experts of the cultural sector and the most prominent personalities from various fields related to the sector. The year, through the Cultural Summit program, we seek to emphasize the positive and effective role of culture through fruitful events and dialogues that are held for the first time through virtual platforms and are available to audiences from all over the world. Positive and tangible side by side with the development of cultural fields, as they are an essential tributary in the process of recovery, growth and development of any economy around the world. “

His Excellency added, “We realized at an early stage the importance of cultural and creative industries and their vital role in supporting economic development, and we have always considered them essential components to achieve our desired ambitions. We are proud of Abu Dhabi’s position and the momentum it is gaining as a global platform that brings together this distinguished group of distinguished participants and partners.”

The cultural summit will include a series of discussion sessions and constructive dialogues that address the recovery and development of the sector after the Covid-19 pandemic, by laying the foundations for a new cultural environment with higher levels of flexibility and adaptation to ensure its ability to face future challenges. The cultural summit will also address the “International Year” initiative. The Creative Economy for Sustainable Development 2021 affiliated with UNESCO aims to review the potential of the creative economy and its role in achieving the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations in the fields of education, economics, innovation, infrastructure, equality, and sustainable cities and societies.

The Abu Dhabi Cultural Summit cooperates with a group of prominent partners from cultural institutions with expertise. The list of partners includes the “UNESCO”, “Solomon R. Guggenheim” Foundation, “The Economist Events”, “Google” and the United Nations Conference on Trade Development UNCTAD, and the London Museum of Design.

On her part, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said: “The aim of the ‘International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development 2021’ is to maximize the role of culture in supporting the global economy, especially at a time when the world is looking forward to Recovering from the repercussions and challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic with achieving the sustainable development goals As we move forward on the path of recovery, we must first measure the size of the pandemic’s impact on the cultural and creative industries, which is what UNESCO, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Cultural Summit, seeks to realize and achieve. This cultural forum is one of the most important and important events on the international cultural agenda. “

Richard Armson, Director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim: “The Abu Dhabi Cultural Summit attracts an elite group of leaders and experts from different fields every year, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and Museum is proud of its role in supporting this prestigious cultural event, and we look forward to contributing and participating in a series of lively dialogues and discussion sessions during this year’s edition, where all will cooperate The parties involved in re-evaluating the role of the cultural sector, creative and cultural platforms, and other museums in providing the best solutions in support of the international community.

Viamita Rocco, Editor and Correspondent for Cultural Affairs, The Economist and 1843 UK, said: “The Economist Events” is pleased to participate in the discussion sessions in the first virtual edition of the Abu Dhabi Cultural Summit, and we look forward to constructive dialogues that offer a clearer vision. The most comprehensive about the current situation. “

On his part, Lino Cataruzzi, Google’s General Manager in the Middle East and North Africa, said: “We are happy to participate in the year’s edition of the Abu Dhabi Cultural Summit, where we will share our experiences and knowledge in working and cooperating with cultural institutions in the Middle East region, including the United Arab Emirates. With the aim of preserving the region’s rich cultural and artistic heritage scene by using technology. “

Marisa Henderson, Head of the Creative Economy Program at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), said: “During our participation in the discussion sessions, held on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Cultural Summit, we will focus on the importance of the creative economy as part of international recovery solutions in the dimensions of the world and the new reality. The role and importance of impact investment is highlighted, as it will play a pivotal role in this march towards recovery and adaptation.

Tim Marlow, CEO and Director of the London Design Museum, said: “The Design Museum is proud to partner with the Abu Dhabi Cultural Summit this year, which will give us a great opportunity to host a series of creative dialogues on design, architecture and art despite the restrictions imposed by the Covid pandemic. 19 All visitors and delegations should participate this year, and we look forward to exchanging different ideas and knowledge on this vital topic, which is the creative economy. “