Page 50 - SAMENA Trends - November-December 2021

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Arab Countries Urged to Take Advantage of Digital Technology in Developing

Cultural Policies

Organized by the Ministry of Culture and introduce it to the cultural entities in their all aspects related to its fields of work.”
Youth along with Arab League Cultural, respective countries to action the plan. She added: “I must mention the Ministers’
Educational and Scientific Organization They stressed that the cultural projects conversation with Arab Youth, it’s an
(ALECSO), the conference concluded. approved in this session will contribute important example of what communication
Several key takeaways for the development to achieving cultural integration among between decisionmakers and our target
of Arab culture were made during the Arab countries. The conference urged groups can achieve in the cultural sector.”
two-day conference. The event hosted 18 Arab countries to take advantage of digital The signing of the UAE Declaration for
ministers in-charge of cultural affairs in technology in developing cultural policies the Arabic Language launched by His
various Arab countries, the director-general in various countries to protect individuals Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
of ALECSO, more than 88 delegations with and entities operating in the field from Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime
representatives of intergovernmental crises. The 22nd session of the conference Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of
organizations, and key figures from the was based on a number of topics, most Dubai, is an important landmark, said
Arab world at Expo 2020 Dubai. Arab notably the Status and the Future report of Al Kaabi. Dr. Mohammed Ould Amar,
leaders and the heads of delegations the Arabic language issued by the ministry Director-General of ALECSO, said: “We
presented the strategic directions in partnership with the Advisory Council on opened a new phase of work in the field
that countries should adopt in a post- Arabic Language; and discussed ways of of culture in Arab countries thanks to the
pandemic world. They stressed the need cooperation to launch new projects in the updated plan for Arab culture, and thanks
for activating joint Arab cultural projects fields of culture, heritage and development to joint Arab cultural projects that will
to strengthen Arab identity and protect the of Arabic. On the concluding day of the strengthen our cooperation. The plan will
younger generations from falling prey to conference the delegates welcomed Saudi provide the necessary support to cultural
extremism. The conference also discussed Arabia's request to host the 23rd session institutions in many areas and give Arab
ways to strengthen Arab cultural unity of the conference in 2022. The discussions states the opportunity to be at par with
and ensuring its sustainability through of the 22nd session reviewed and updated other countries in the upcoming regional
building inclusive societies. “The need for the draft of the comprehensive plan for and international events.” He pointed out
Arab culture to be open to other cultures of Arab culture. The decisions were based on that the 22nd session of the Conference
the world and contribute to forging human an analytical review of the most important of Arab Culture Ministers is part of the
connections globally,” said a press release developments of the Arab cultural scene framework of cooperation between the
from the Ministry of Culture. It was also in past 20 years. The discussions also UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth ALECSO
recommended that Arab countries must covered the political, economic and social and implements the decision of the 21st
work on implementing the outcomes of repercussions of these events and the session of the conference which included
the review of the comprehensive plan for challenges that the Arab world is facing a number of decisions such as the areas
Arab culture and use it to develop national today. Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, UAE of join Arab cultural work, opening up new
strategies for cultural development and Minister of Culture and Youth and chair of horizons to develop cultural projects that
joint cooperation. They called for organizing the 22nd session of the Conference of Arab promote Arab culture in the region as well
workshops and meetings to present the Culture Ministers, said: “The UAE is keen as globally.
comprehensive plan for Arab culture and on strategic cooperation with ALECSO in

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