Abu Dhabi, the vibrant capital of the United Arab Emirates, is poised to welcome an esteemed gathering of cultural luminaries from across the globe for the sixth edition of Culture Summit Abu Dhabi. Scheduled to take place from March 3rd to 5th, 2024, at the prestigious Manarat Al Saadiyat, this landmark event promises to ignite thought-provoking conversations under the theme "A Matter of Time."
Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Culture Summit Abu Dhabi serves as a nexus for thought leaders, artists, and culture specialists to converge and exchange insights, stories, and perspectives that shape the cultural landscape of our world.
The summit will commence with a keynote address by the illustrious Syrian poet and essayist, Ali Ahmad Said Esber, widely known as Adonis. As a pioneer of the modernist movement in contemporary Arabic poetry, Adonis's words have resonated across generations, earning him accolades such as the Goethe Prize and nominations for the Nobel Prize in Literature.
An exciting addition to this year's summit is the inauguration of the "Ministerial Dialogue," a collaborative effort between DCT Abu Dhabi and UNESCO. This platform will facilitate discussions among culture ministers on the outcomes of MONDIACULT 2022 and the path forward towards MONDIACULT 2025. Notable speakers include Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, and Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, Assistant Director-General for Culture at UNESCO.
Culture Summit Abu Dhabi will also host captivating conversations with esteemed figures such as Nobel Prize of Literature winner, Wole Soyinka, and renowned playwright, in dialogue with Manthia Diawara, Professor at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Exploring critical issues facing global leaders, a panel discussion on "Sustainability and Decision Making" will feature insights from former Prime Ministers Kim Campbell of Canada, Moussa Mara of Mali, George Papandreou of Greece, and Jigmi Thinley of Bhutan. Their collective wisdom will illuminate successful strategies for advancing sustainability on both national and international levels.
Delving into the realm of art and science, artists and curators will engage in a discussion on "Deep Time," exploring the geological history of the universe through a lens of artistic expression. Moderated by Alexandra Munroe of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, this session promises to inspire and provoke thought.
Additionally, the summit will feature panels on leading public agencies for culture in times of crisis, the impact of Artificial Intelligence on human creativity, and the power of music in storytelling within TV and film.
As Culture Summit Abu Dhabi 2024 unfolds, it serves as a beacon of cultural exchange, fostering dialogue and collaboration to shape a more inclusive and vibrant global community. With its diverse lineup of speakers and thought-provoking sessions, the summit reaffirms Abu Dhabi's commitment to championing culture as a catalyst for positive change.
