DUBAI, – Ways to enhance Arab cultural unity and sustainability by building multiple and inclusive knowledge-based societies dominated day two of the 22nd Conference of Arab Culture Ministers held at Expo 2020 Dubai on Monday.

The conference was attended by representatives from 19 Arab states, the Arab Leagues Education, Culture and Science Organization (ALECSO), the League of Arab States (LAS), UNESCO, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), and Arab Theatre Institute.

Cultural affairs ministers pointed out that Arab culture has encountered several challenges that call for the reformulation of its priorities, objectives and methods of work, and discussed the development of cultural governance policies, the information revolution, the dominance of digital platforms, and health emergencies, including COVID-19.

The key talks centered around the output of a draft review and update of an overall plan for Arab culture, driven by analysis of the most important developments characterising the Arab cultural scene over the past decade as well as political, economic and social developments, in addition to new challenges.

The ministers stressed the importance of activating a joint Arab cultural project that helps maintain Arab identity, and protects future generations.

The conference deliberated on how to enhance communication with other cultures, actively contributing to the formation of the human civilisation project, and looking at the diversity, antiquity and multiplicity of the geographical, historical and linguistic sources of rich Arab cultures.

Speakers said workshops and meetings are needed to present the future plans for Arab cultures, and to brief those working in this field, emphasising that the conference participants will make a significant contribution in achieving cultural integration of Arab countries.

Participants called on Arab nations to take advantage of digital and technology-based services to develop domestic cultural policies to protect and develop their cultural heritage, and to overcome the lingering effects of health crises.

The conference made several recommendations on promoting the Arab language, the enacting of policies to protect cultural heritage, and the creation of multilateral cooperation programmes with international organisations.