Minister of Culture emphasises UAE’s commitment to cultivating culture of knowledge


ABU DHABI: Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, reiterated the UAE’s dedication to fostering a culture centred around science and knowledge. He highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to translate the nation’s vision, set forth by its wise leadership, into tangible actions aimed at nurturing intellectual growth and providing an enabling environment for knowledge acquisition.

In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Sheikh Salem emphasised the significance of “Reading Month” as a pivotal opportunity to preserve the UAE’s cultural, intellectual, and knowledge-based achievements and build an exemplary model for others to follow. He urged entities to initiate sustainable efforts that promote the culture of reading and ensure it is a priority on the annual agenda of both the public and private sectors.

The Sheikh Salem underscored the Ministry’s strategic focus on enriching the cultural and educational landscape of the UAE, with a particular emphasis on empowering future generations with t
he requisite knowledge and skills. He highlighted the role of creative centres across the Emirates in organising diverse cultural and community-oriented events, workshops, and seminars to disseminate knowledge and foster discussions on Emirati heritage and national identity.

Sheikh Salem stated that the Ministry works according to a clear strategy to create distinctive initiatives to revive interest in reading and restore its status and capabilities among community members.

He noted that the ministry, in collaboration with various local entities and institution, has developed diverse cultural programmes, including events and activities targeting various segments of society.

Creative centres across the country will organise various cultural and community events. Workshops, seminars, and book exhibitions will be held to disseminate knowledge to all segments of society, and knowledge sessions will address Emirati heritage, national identity standards and their role in the country’s ongoing development.

Regar
ding support for local writers and authors, he outlined the Ministry’s initiatives to elevate the cultural and literary scene within the UAE. These include programmes such as “Creative Publishing”, a multi-pronged initiative that supports publishing works by Emirati and Arab authors across various genres.

The initiative aims to enrich the UAE publishing and content arena by issuing 100 books in various fields. It also supports public benefit associations by providing office spaces in creative hubs across the UAE.

The Ministry has also launched the “National Grant Programme for Culture and Creativity,” providing financial assistance to Emirati artists and creators to enhance their creative endeavours in cultural and creative industries.

The Minister underscored the UAE’s unwavering commitment to nurturing a vibrant cultural landscape, promoting intellectual growth, and empowering its citizens to contribute meaningfully to society through knowledge and creativity.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Nobel Laureate Ouided Bouchamaoui joins NYU Abu Dhabi as Diplomacy Professor


ABU DHABI: Nobel Peace Prize winner Ouided Bouchamaoui has been appointed Professor of Practice of Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), effective 1st April.

Bouchamaoui, from Tunisia, is celebrated for her extensive experience in various fields, such as international business, community engagement, negotiation, crisis management, and women empowerment.

A central figure in Tunisia, Bouchamaoui took the role of Peace Envoy, promoting the critical role of dialogue in crisis resolution worldwide.

In addition to her peace efforts, Bouchamaoui broke new ground as the first woman president of the Tunisian Union of Industry, Commerce, and Handicrafts, where she played a crucial role in fostering investment and mediating labour disputes. Her career also includes leadership positions in various organisations, underlining her broad business and conflict resolution expertise.

“It is a true honour for NYU Abu Dhabi to welcome Ouided Bouchamaoui to our university, where she taught
a very popular course this academic year,” said Vice Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi Mariet Westermann. “It is a special joy to announce her joining just after we celebrated International Women’s Day, as she is part of a fast-growing cohort of women who have won the Nobel Prize, a distinction that for so long was overwhelmingly awarded to men.”

“Ouided Bouchamaoui’s remarkable journey from promoting democracy and peace in Tunisia to leading global discussions on conflict resolution makes her an invaluable addition to our academic community,” said NYU Abu Dhabi Provost Arlie Petters. “Her appointment reinforces our commitment to offering diverse and profound learning experiences that prepare our students to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.”

Bouchamaoui’s academic and professional accolades include a master’s in public administration from Harvard Kennedy School, numerous honourary doctorates, and prestigious awards such as the Legion of Honour and The Order of the Polar Star.

Her role at NYU Abu Dhab
i will enhance the university’s dedication to building a vibrant community of scholars distinguished by their research, teaching, and ability to inspire students in the UAE and beyond.

Source: Emirates News Agency