Post by : Badri Ariffin

During the 56th Annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meetings in Davos, Switzerland, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, engaged with Khaled El Enany, Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The forum took place from January 19 to 23.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, and His Excellency Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, were also present, along with senior officials from both delegations.

This discussion was part of the UAE’s proactive approach at the World Economic Forum, a premier global platform uniting leaders, policymakers, international bodies, and experts to address economic and developmental issues while fostering international collaboration.

Her Highness underscored the alignment of the UAE’s objectives in education, culture, knowledge, and heritage with UNESCO’s core mission. She emphasized that culture, education, and scientific inquiry are pivotal for sustainable development, serving to reinforce national identity, ensure social stability, and facilitate inter-nation dialogue.

The dialogues also addressed UNESCO's initiatives to safeguard international heritage, promote cultural and creative sectors, and enhance educational and research frameworks. Sheikha Latifa reaffirmed the UAE's intent to boost collaboration with UNESCO by sharing expertise, formulating progressive cultural policies, and endorsing knowledge-driven endeavors at both regional and global stages.

Shared agendas included the conservation of both tangible and intangible heritage, the support of the creative economy, educational empowerment for communities, and amplifying the influence of culture on holistic development.

The meeting highlighted the necessity for enhanced regional and international synergy to tackle swiftly evolving global challenges. Both parties acknowledged the crucial role that culture and education play in nurturing understanding, encouraging dialogue across nations, and supporting sustainable global development.