Culture, arts promote understanding amidst diversity

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Culture, arts promote understanding amidst diversity

Abu Dhabi - The annual two-day event brought together more than 300 high-profile leaders and experts in international politics.

by

Ismail Sebugwaawo

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Published: Thu 15 Nov 2018, 9:56 PM

Last updated: Fri 16 Nov 2018, 12:00 AM

Showcasing the UAE's culture through creative talent will spark a "greater understanding of diversity" and cement the UAE's position as a leading progressive nation, a top UAE official said.
During a panel discussion on 'The Power of Cultural Diplomacy' on the second day of the Abu Dhabi Diplomacy Conference on Thursday, Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Minister of State and member of the Emirates Diplomatic Academy's (EDA) board of trustees, emphasised the important role culture plays in understanding diversity.
"In the UAE, we have a vast creative talent pool at our disposal, ranging from artists and filmmakers to musicians and writers, Emirati and non-Emirati alike," said Nusseibeh.
"As we take on a more prominent role in the region and globally, we believe showcasing our creative talent will promote greater understanding among people who come from diverse backgrounds and hold different values through the medium of culture. It will also highlight our progressive nature among nations and provide a model for other countries."
Organised by the EDA, the annual two-day event brought together more than 300 high-profile leaders and experts in international politics, senior diplomats and the private sector to discuss best practices and share ideas in shaping the future of diplomacy.
Speaking about the 'The Future of Multilateral Diplomacy', Susana Malcorra, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Argentine Republic, said the practice of open dialogue and knowledge-sharing are key issues in diplomacy. "The success of the event lies in the fact that diplomats always seek common ground to find solutions," she said. "Platforms such as the Abu Dhabi Diplomacy Conference, where we can all share our experiences, provide us with the ways and the means to enhance the effectiveness of diplomacy."
Besides the keynote speeches, the conference also featured panel discussions and workshops designed to identify effective solutions that can be implemented by ministries of foreign affairs across the globe.
Keeping up with changes
Nabil Fahmy, founding dean of the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the American University in Cairo and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, said: "Whether we are talking about peacemaking, multilateral diplomacy, the new actors in the field or new technologies that are impacting it, it is clear that the art of diplomatic engagement is changing at a rate that is unprecedented in its history.
"At this point in our world's history, diplomats are perhaps needed now more than ever, because regardless of how the job may change or the requirements may be altered, there is one thing a diplomat must always be ready and willing to do - listen. We must listen, especially when other people do not. We must understand, especially as others do not care. And then we must act, especially for those who are unable."
ismail@khaleejtimes.com


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