PARIS, 21st July, 2022 (WAM) — Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth and Chairperson of the UAE National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, visited the office of the Permanent Delegation of the UAE to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) located in Paris.
The visit took place in the presence of Salem Khalid Qassimi, the UAE’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.
The re-opening of the newly renovated office coincides with the 50th anniversary of the year the UAE became a UNESCO Member State in 1972. The UAE continues its efforts to promote the importance of culture and arts education, as well as cultural diversity through various forums organised by the Organisation and its Member States.
During the visit, Noura Al Kaabi met with officials and staff, who shared insights about the various programmes and future projects that the office was undertaking to strengthen the country’s leadership position as a key partner for strategic initiatives at the Organisation.
Al Kaabi also viewed the office’s exhibited artworks by Emirati artists such as Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim, Afra Al Dhaheri, Mohammed Kazem, Nasser Nasrallah, and others. The office provides a space for visitors to experience both the culture and traditions of the UAE, as well as its contemporary art.
She said: “The UAE and UNESCO share a long history of ties and cooperation in various fields. The UAE continues to support the Organisation through extensive work in promoting peace and dialogue in building bridges between cultures and preserving both tangible and intangible heritage. The UAE in partnership with UNESCO has initiated several programmes to support creativity and innovation in science, arts and culture globally.”
She stressed that the UAE has supported many important projects undertaken by the Organisation, including the ‘Revive the Spirit of Mosul’ initiative in Iraq and its efforts towards the reconstruction of the Al Nouri Mosque, Al Hadba Minaret, the Churches of Al Tahera and Al Saa’a, in addition to other significant projects that have benefited many countries around the world. These joint efforts highlight the UAE’s key role in preserving human heritage globally.
Salem Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, said: “The UAE is keen to strengthen its ties with UNESCO at various levels, ensuring its leadership as a key partner of the Organisation’s projects. It seeks to preserve human heritage, and highlight the value of arts, science and culture as pillars of societies.”
He continued: ” Noura Al Kaabi’s visit to the Permanent Delegation’s office goes to show the Ministry’s interest in building on its relations with UNESCO and its desire to advance joint projects. The UAE has prioritised culture as an essential element of growth and development and has been supporting the Organisation on a number of strategic initiatives in the field of culture, science and human creativity.”