Sharjah Illuminates Paris: Celebrating the 20th UNESCO Award for Arab Culture
In a splendid ceremony held at the heart of Paris, Sharjah celebrated the remarkable achievements in Arab culture by honoring the winners of the 20th Sharjah-UNESCO Award for Arab Culture. This prestigious award, a symbol of cultural excellence and recognition, was established in collaboration with UNESCO, marking a significant commitment to fostering cultural dialogue and appreciation on a global scale.
Honored at the event were Egyptian artist Aya Tarek and Malian heritage activist Alidji Alvin Touré, whose contributions to Arab culture have been profound and transformative. Their engagement in the cultural sphere serves as a testament to the dynamic interplay of tradition and modernity, capturing the essence of Arab identity while promoting intercultural dialogue.
The ceremony took place at UNESCO’s historic headquarters in Paris and featured notable figures from the cultural landscape, including Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah’s Department of Culture; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Department; Gabriela Ramos, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences; and a gathering of diplomats, artists, and distinguished guests from various cultural backgrounds. This confluence of minds underscored the event not only as a celebration of individual accomplishments but also as a reaffirmation of the collaborative power of culture in bridging divides and fostering understanding.
In his address, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais reflected on Sharjah’s enduring partnership with UNESCO, highlighting its crucial role in connecting nations through cultural initiatives over the years. He remarked on the award’s rich history—now celebrating a quarter-century of excellence—asserting that it has significantly contributed to honoring and promoting the diverse cultural achievements within the Arab world. Al Owais emphasized that, in a time of global change and challenges, cultural dialogue remains essential for mutual respect and coexistence among peoples.
Gabriela Ramos, in her remarks, commended not only the award’s twenty-year milestone but also Sharjah’s unique cultural collaboration with UNESCO, which has enabled impactful projects and initiatives celebrated worldwide. She illustrated the importance of cultural interchange, asserting that platforms such as the Sharjah-UNESCO Award serve as vital conduits for cultural voices that may otherwise go unheard.
The UAE’s permanent representative to UNESCO, Ali Al-Haj Al Ali, further echoed these sentiments, underscoring the award’s pivotal role in enhancing cultural dialogue while bolstering efforts to preserve the rich heritage of the Arab world. He lauded the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, whose commitment to cultural development has propelled the emirate onto the international cultural stage.
As part of the ceremony, both Aya Tarek and Alidji Alvin Touré were presented with the coveted award, symbolizing their dedication to the enhancement and preservation of Arab culture. Tarek’s work, noted for its vibrant storytelling through contemporary art, challenges societal norms while celebrating cultural heritage. Touré’s efforts in heritage activism reflect a passion for maintaining historical narratives and promoting awareness of Mali’s cultural significance within the broader Arab context.
This event not only recognized the achievements of individual artists but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural advocacy in today’s world. It highlighted the shared responsibility of cultural institutions, governments, and individuals to nurture and sustain the diverse artistic expressions that represent their communities.
In conclusion, the 20th Sharjah-UNESCO Award for Arab Culture stands as a beacon of hope and initiative, illuminating the path towards greater cultural understanding and exchange. As the ceremony in Paris illustrated, through collaboration and recognition, the spirit of culture can thrive, enriching lives across borders and fostering a deeper appreciation for the myriad voices that unite us in the tapestry of human experience.
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