UNESCO chief, UAE culture minister highlight culture’s role in social cohesion and development at WGS

WAM

DUBAI, February 5, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany and UAE Culture Minister Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi highlighted culture as a central driver of social cohesion, sustainable development and cross-border dialogue during a World Governments Summit 2026 session in Dubai.

The session, titled “What Role Does Culture Play in Shaping the Future of Humanity?”, addressed the role of education, science and culture in reducing conflict risks and supporting long-term stability amid global pressures including natural disasters, technological change and hate speech.

El-Enany pointed to the United Nations’ 2024 recognition of culture as a global public good, framing it as a policy milestone for development agendas. He also emphasized support for young people in crisis-affected areas, including Ukraine and the Middle East, with focus on access to quality education and social recovery.

Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi reiterated the UAE’s commitment to cultural cooperation and heritage protection, citing the Mosul recovery initiative in Iraq as a major restoration programme. He noted that more than 7,700 residents were trained under the project, with 2,700 supported directly through UAE funding.

Both participants underlined that culture functions as both a social stabilizer and an economic growth contributor, and identified education partnerships as essential for sustaining cultural impact.