The four-year project, aimed at empowering youth, young women, teachers and returnees…reports Asian Lite News
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and South Sudan’s Ministry of General Education on Thursday launched a project to strengthen technical, vocational education and training programs in the country.
The four-year project, aimed at empowering youth, young women, teachers and returnees, will be implemented by nine-line ministries in collaboration with the country’s general education ministry.
Hubert Gijzen, UNESCO’s East Africa regional representative, said the reconstruction of a nation starts with the capacity building of man power followed by development.
“Skills are vital for poverty reduction, for private sector development, job creation and self-employment in particular for youth. Skills are essential in the achievement of the sustainable development goals,” Gijzen said during the launching ceremony in Juba.
He urged South Sudan to adopt a policy integrating literacy into all Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVECT) targeting young people.
“Now is the time to build local capacities to expedite sustainable development in the country,” he said.
“This project will reach out to 45,000 people including 13,000 youths of which 60 percent will be women and girls,” he added.
Representatives of UNESCO and South Sudan pose for a photo during the launch of a project in Juba, South Sudan, on March 10, 2022. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and South Sudan’s Ministry of General Education on Thursday launched a project to strengthen technical, vocational education and training programs in the country. (Photo by Daniel Majak/Xinhua)
Dubai was the first Arab city to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the design field in 2017…reports Asian Lite News
Dubai is set to enhance its status as one of the world’s leading Creative Cities, with the city publishing a new report that outlines its initiatives and accomplishments over the last four years and a four-year plan to enhance its creative design offerings. The report forms part of the process of renewing Dubai’s membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
Dubai was the first Arab city to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the design field in 2017, when it became one of 246 cities participating in the Network. Cities in the Network are required to prepare a report every four years, explaining the initiatives and projects completed and the city’s future plans.
As a member of the Network, Dubai has been constantly working to improve its policies and contributions as a leading Creative City for design and contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to hosting international exhibitions and conferences in the design field and adopting global best practices in the sector, Dubai has introduced a host of initiatives and accomplishments in the creative design field to attract the world’s best talent and create a smart and sustainable infrastructure that provides services for different segments of society.
For this purpose, Dubai established the Executive Committee for the emirate’s membership in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, led by Dubai Municipality. The Committee included members from different entities such as the Ministry of Youth and Culture, General Secretariat of The Executive Council, the Roads and Transport Authority, Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Dubai Design District, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, Dubai Development Authority and Community Development Authority. The Committee has played a key role in elevating Dubai as an iconic design city and opening new horizons in its growth in the creative and design fields. The report to renew Dubai’s membership in the Creative Cities Network was developed by the Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee also serves as a platform to strengthen the cooperation required to enhance Dubai’s creative economy and grow its design sector. Dubai has placed the design sector at the core of its comprehensive sustainable development plans. The emirate considers design as a vital creative field that can contribute to social, economic and environmental transformation and generate new solutions for challenges facing the city and its community. According to the Community, designing not only adds art to life, but also helps to educate new generations on ways to overcome challenges to sustainability, conserve energy and preserve the country’s heritage.
UNESCO to celebrate the Arabic Language Day on 18 Dec
The world family will mark on 18th December the World Arabic Language Day under the theme “Arabic Language, a bridge between civilisations”…reports Asian Lite News
UNESCO says Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, used daily by more than 400 million people. World Arabic Language Day is celebrated every year on 18thecember since 2012. The date coincides with the day in 1973 that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted Arabic as the sixth official language of the Organization.
UNESCO to celebrate the Arabic Language Day on 18 Dec
In the diversity of its forms, classic or dialectal, from oral expression to poetic calligraphy, the Arabic language has given rise to a fascinating aesthetic, in fields as varied as architecture, poetry, philosophy and song. It gives access to an incredible variety of identities and beliefs and its history reveals the richness of its links with other languages. Arabic has played a catalytic role in knowledge, promoting the dissemination of Greek and Roman sciences and philosophies to Renaissance Europe. It has enabled a dialogue of cultures along the silk roads, from the coast of India to the Horn of Africa.
This year’s World Arabic Language Day theme “Arabic Language, a bridge between civilisations” is a call to reaffirm the important role of the Arabic language in connecting people through culture, science, literature and many more domains.
The theme highlights the historic role of Arabic in creating and transmitting knowledge, as well as in enhancing dialogue and building peace. For centuries Arabic was the common ground, the connector, that reflected the richness of human existence and provided access to numerous resources.
In increasingly globalized, digitalized and multilingual societies, the 2021 theme is of urgent relevance. It recognizes the changing world and the imperative to reinforce dialogue between nations and peoples.
To celebrate the Day, UNESCO will organize a virtual panel discussion on 17th December, where experts, academics, journalists and representatives of specialized institutions will gather to debate on the historic role of Arabic in creating and transmitting knowledge and Arabic language as a tool to enhance dialogue and build peace.
The celebration also resonates with the International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures (2013-2022), for which UNESCO is the lead UN Agency.
On the occasion, UNESCO organizes an exhibition on “Arabic Language, a Bridge Between Civilizations” with the support of the Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Foundation, on the fences of its Headquarters Building in Paris, from 6 to 20 December 2021.
Celebrating the rich diversity of Arabic Language, its strong bonds with various forms of cultural expression, and its significant role in connecting peoples and promoting dialogue, it will showcase diverse approaches to using Arabic language and calligraphy. Composed of impactful artworks, its aim is to spread a message of hope, peace, resilience, and beauty among people, regardless of their language, culture or any other difference.
The exhibition includes works by 18 artists from 13 countries around the world. Applying various techniques, from classical calligraphy to contemporary graffiti styles, these artists incorporate the Arabic letters in their work to address humanist themes and convey messages of hope, peace, resilience and unity.
The Arabic calligraphy was officially inscribed on the list of the Unesco’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity…reports Asian Lite News
Saudi Minister of Culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud welcomed the decision, saying it is the result of the efforts by Saudi Arabia-led collaboration, with Arab countries, under the supervision of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), reports Xinhua news agency.
Arabic calligraphy officially inscribed on Unesco’s intangible cultural list
With its importance derived from religious texts, Arabic calligraphy has played a pivotal role in the advancement of the Arabic language throughout history, said a statement from Saudi Ministry of Culture.
As a symbol of Arab and national identity, Arabic calligraphy is deeply woven into Saudi history and in recognition of its cultural importance, and the Ministry designated the years of 2020 and 2021 the “Years of Arabic Calligraphy.”
Initiatives launched during the “Years of Arabic Calligraphy” include a ground-breaking exhibition at Riyadh’s National Museum, which shed light on the origins of the Arabic language, the development of calligraphy and the relationship between calligraphy, contemporary design and artificial intelligence.
The Centre, aimed at strengthening the efforts of the Emirate of Sharjah and the UAE in protecting and promoting intangible cultural heritage, will be based at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage…reports Asian Lite News
The United Arab Emirates and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) have signed an agreement to establish the International Centre for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Arab Countries in the Emirate of Sharjah.
The Centre, aimed at strengthening the efforts of the Emirate of Sharjah and the UAE in protecting and promoting intangible cultural heritage, will be based at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH).
UAE, UNESCO ink deal to establish ICSICH
The ceremony took place at the House of Wisdom in Sharjah, where the agreement was signed by Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth and Chair to the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the UNESCO, in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the International Publishers Association (IPA) and Founder and CEO of the UAE-based Kalimat Group (KG), Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and Abdullah Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Culture, and Salma Al Darmaki, Secretary-General of UAE National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi, UAE Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.
Al Kaabi emphasised the leading role played by the UAE in preserving and protecting intangible cultural heritage, saying that the country’s work in this field benefits all humanity. She added that global cooperation and partnerships are required to preserve this legacy for future generations and to establish institutions capable of reaching this goal.
She pointed out that the establishment of the International Centre for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Arab Countries in the Emirate of Sharjah confirms UNESCO’s confidence in the UAE and its ability to deliver the necessary capabilities, as well as the Emirate of Sharjah’s distinguished position in the field of culture and heritage.
For his part, Dr. Al Musallam welcomed the announcement of the establishment of the Centre, which will undoubtedly boost the Emirate of Sharjah’s position, and that of the UAE, in the creative and cultural economy, establishing it as a pioneer in the preservation and promotion of the intangible cultural heritage at the regional and global levels, praising the directives and efforts of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in supporting and preserving the intangible cultural heritage, and the parties involved in its promotion and preservation.
Al Musallam said, “Intangible cultural heritage is one of the key components of human civilisation and serves as an indication of the renaissance and progress of peoples and societies. Its preservation can help achieve reconciliation between cultures and nationalities, establishing among them the values of understanding, cooperation, and peace. The International Centre for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Arab Countries will serve as a beacon for achieving these goals, towards which all nations stive.”
He stated that enhancing the capacity of those working in the field of intangible cultural heritage contributes to encouraging intercultural dialogue and fostering mutual respect among all. He added that protecting the identity and cultural diversity of a population is vital, and that all elements related to heritage, from customs, traditions, rituals, and practices to skills, arts, and crafts, should be protected and preserved.
Under the agreement, the Centre will focus on strengthening the 2003 Convention for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage, implementing it in Arab countries, extending institutional capacities to protect intangible cultural heritage in Arab countries, promoting the purposes and objectives of the Convention, raising the level of community, group and individual participation in the protection of intangible cultural heritage, raising awareness of intangible cultural heritage, and strengthening regional and international cooperation to protect intangible cultural heritage.
Under the auspices of UNESCO, the Centre will work to implement short- and long-term capacity-building programs and activities in the field of intangible cultural heritage, based on the program developed by UNESCO for the effective implementation of the 2003 Convention, and to adapt capacity-building materials and data developed by UNESCO to fit the regional context and ensure its translation into Arabic.
The Centre will also build communication networks between concerned communities, groups, and individuals to support the transmission and dissemination of intangible cultural heritage, organise events and public meetings at the regional and international levels, and exchange information and knowledge related to the protection of intangible cultural heritage.
It is worth noting that the Emirate of Sharjah also hosts the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage (ICCROM-Sharjah), which was established in 2011 by the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), an affiliate of UNESCO, in partnership with the Government of Sharjah. This Centre seeks to enhance the capabilities of workers across the official heritage institutions of the Member States to enable them to sustainably manage cultural heritage sites, historical monuments, and museum collections.
Mohammed bin Rashid meets UNESCO Director-General at Expo 2020
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today met with Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), at Expo 2020 Dubai…reports Asian Lite News
The meeting was held in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Council for Border Crossing Points Security, and H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Member of Dubai Council.
Mohammed bin Rashid meets UNESCO Director-General at Expo 2020
Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Azoulay and congratulated her on her re-election as Director-General of UNESCO for a second four-year term. He praised the collaboration between the UAE and UNESCO, in light of their common vision to preserve human heritage while supporting development. The meeting also highlighted the UAE’s efforts in preserving and protecting global heritage through several projects and initiatives.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also praised UNESCO’s decision to adopt 2nd December as ‘World Futures Day’, which coincides with the UAE’s National day. The choice of the date is a sign of appreciation for the UAE’s global role over the past 50 years to imagine and create the future, as well as its exceptional experience in anticipating economic, industrial and social change and its high readiness in future sectors.
Mohammed bin Rashid meets UNESCO Director-General at Expo 2020
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also expressed the hope that the UAE and UNESCO can further expand their collaboration for the benefit of the international community.
The Director-General of UNESCO congratulated the UAE on its 50th National Day, and extended her best wishes to the UAE and its people for further development and prosperity.
Mohammed bin Rashid meets UNESCO Director-General at Expo 2020
Azoulay also praised the UAE for its contributions to preserving global heritage. She commended the UAE for the progress it has achieved in the field of gender balance, which has placed the country among the leading nations to achieve UNESCO’s Education for All objectives that were adopted in Dakar in the year 2000.
The Director-General of UNESCO also expressed the hope that the UAE and UNESCO can further strengthen their collaboration, as part of their commitment to preserve the world’s cultural heritage.
193 countries adopts the first global agreement on the Ethics of AI
All the nations members of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adopted on Thursday a historical text that defines the common values and principles needed to ensure the healthy development of AI…reports Asian Lite News
Artificial intelligence is present in everyday life, from booking flights and applying for loans to steering driverless cars. It is also used in specialized fields such as cancer screening or to help create inclusive environments for the disabled.
According to UNESCO, AI is also supporting the decision-making of governments and the private sector, as well as helping combat global problems such as climate change and world hunger.
193 countries adopts the first global agreement on the Ethics of AI
However, the agency warns that the technology ‘is bringing unprecedented challenges’.
“We see increased gender and ethnic bias, significant threats to privacy, dignity and agency, dangers of mass surveillance, and increased use of unreliable AI technologies in law enforcement, to name a few. Until now, there were no universal standards to provide an answer to these issues,” UNESCO explained in a statement.
Considering this, the adopted text aims to guide the construction of the necessary legal infrastructure to ensure the ethical development of this technology.
AUDREY AZOULAY, CHIEF, UNESCO: “The world needs rules for artificial intelligence to benefit humanity. The Recommendation on the ethics of AI is a major answer. It sets the first global normative framework while giving States the responsibility to apply it at their level. UNESCO will support its 193 Member States in its implementation and ask them to report regularly on their progress and practices.”
The text aims to highlight the advantages of AI, while reducing the risks it also entails. According to the agency, it provides a guide to ensure that digital transformations promote human rights and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, addressing issues around transparency, accountability and privacy, with action-oriented policy chapters on data governance, education, culture, labour, healthcare and the economy.
One of its main calls is to protect data, going beyond what tech firms and governments are doing to guarantee individuals more protection by ensuring transparency, agency and control over their personal data. The Recommendation also explicitly bans the use of AI systems for social scoring and mass surveillance.
The text also emphasises that AI actors should favour data, energy and resource-efficient methods that will help ensure that AI becomes a more prominent tool in the fight against climate change and in tackling environmental issues.
“Decisions impacting millions of people should be fair, transparent and contestable. These new technologies must help us address the major challenges in our world today, such as increased inequalities and the environmental crisis, and not deepening them,” said Gabriela Ramos, UNESCO’s Assistant Director General for Social and Human Sciences.
UAE is continuing to support the efforts and programmes of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)…reports Asian Lite News
Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, said the UAE is continuing to support the efforts and programmes of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to establish peace by promoting international cooperation in education, science and culture.
As an active member of UNESCO’s executive board and in light of its history of supporting joint action under the framework of the international organisation, the UAE aims to enlarge the scope of its contributions to the efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and peace, creating links between cultures and peoples, preserving human heritage, and supporting innovation, science, culture and arts globally.
Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi
Al Kaabi made this statement as part of the UAE’s official speech at the 41st General Conference of UNESCO.
“The general conference drafted a medium-term strategy identifying the organisation’s strategic vision, which will enable it to perform its leading role in areas of competence. We welcome the support for the “Priority Africa” programme and the work to develop island states in this document,” she said.
Al Kaabi also highlighted the UAE’s commitment to the work of UNESCO and its ongoing willingness to help achieve further strategic outcomes, as well as supporting various segments of communities served by the international organisation.
Al Kaabi then thanked UNESCO’s member states, whose contributions have supported the organisation’s awards, meetings and initiatives.
“In 2019, the UAE applied for membership in the executive board, pledging to explore new practices and ideas related to cultural and creative industries. The executive board recently approved a resolution presented by the UAE, Bangladesh, Colombia and Indonesia, which will enable UNESCO to host collective talks on cultural and creative industries and draft policies and unified international indexes on the contribution of the innovative economy to achieving sustainable development goals. The board also approved a resolution presented by the UAE to continue the efforts of Portugal and Korea to upgrade existing frameworks on education and culture to executive plans,” she added.
She pointed out that the UAE is committed to exploring new education opportunities by deploying technology, through the partnership between Dubai Cares and UNESCO aimed at focussing on digital transformation, to offer education to marginalised people and provide high-quality free digital educational content.
She stressed the UAE is an active partner in the “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative, by creating 1,000 job opportunities for Iraqis in the city by 2023. Al Kaabi announced that nearly 1,087 residents were employed as part of this initiative.
Noura Al Kaabi meets Saudi Minister of Culture in Paris
Both sides discussed areas of cultural cooperation between the UAE and Saudi Arabia…reports Asian Lite News
Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, met with Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi Minister of Culture, on the sidelines of the 41st session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) held in Paris.
Noura Al Kaabi meets Saudi Minister of Culture in Paris
During the meeting, both sides discussed areas of cultural cooperation between the UAE and Saudi Arabia and ways of unifying their cultural visions and efforts, under the framework of relevant international organisations.
Al Kaabi highlighted the importance of the ongoing cooperation and coordination between the two countries, noting the UAE backed a draft resolution proposed by Saudi Arabia, while Saudi Arabia supported three Emirati resolutions during this year’s UNESCO General Conference.
Al Kaabi, also the UAE pavilion commissioner at Expo 2020 Dubai, highlighted the UAE’s support for Saudi Arabia’s candidacy to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh.
”We prepared the dossier to highlight the genuineness of Srinagar’s claim to be recognised as an UNESCO heritage city…reports Asian Lite News.
J&K’s Srinagar city on Monday made it to the prestigious list of UNESCO creative cities network for 2021, for craft and folk art.
This was announced by UNESCO on its official website on Monday wherein 49 cities have joined the elite list.
“We have been trying to find a place for Srinagar city in the UNESCO list for the last four years,” Saleem Beg, convener of the J&K chapter of INTACH (Indian National Trust For Art And Cultural Heritage) told.
J&K: UNESCO designated Srinagar as a part of its Creative Cities Network under Crafts & Folk Arts category
"We started efforts for this recognition in 2018. It would promote cooperate & experience sharing with other cities on the network," Srinagar Mayor JA Mattu said y'day pic.twitter.com/nfTpMnMSDx
— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳😷 (@UNESCO) November 8, 2021
Beg said Srinagar had missed its place in the list in 2019 by a whisker.
“We were left out the last time in 2019 because we lost the slot to Film City in Hyderabad. This time there were two cities running in close competition for the prestigious place – Srinagar and Gwalior. UNESCO has finally decided to select Srinagar this time,” he said.
Delighted that beautiful Srinagar joins the @UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) with a special mention for its craft and folk art. It is a fitting recognition for the vibrant cultural ethos of Srinagar. Congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Beg credits the success of this effort to the team of local craftsmen and folk artists whose work has finally got global recognition.
Asked about what does the recognition mean in terms of advantage to the local crafts and folk art, he said: “It is a recognition of not only for our crafts and folk arts, but for Srinagar city as such.
“It is a global recognition towards which the world looks with interest. Our crafts and folk art are not something that has fossilised. These are growing and dynamic arts.
“The recognition will definitely give us a marketing edge.”
This year, the exercise of the dossier’s preparation began in the month of May. The Union Culture Ministry received four nominations – two from Madhya Pradesh (Gwalior and Indore), one from West Bengal (Kolkata) and one from J&K (Srinagar).
The Centre, however, rejected the application of Kolkata and Indore and forwarded only two nominations – Srinagar and Gwalior.
It recommended the nomination of Gwalior as creative city of music and Srinagar for creative city of craft and folk arts to UNESCO on June 29.
The announcements were finally made on Monday, rejecting the nomination of Gwalior and accepting that of Srinagar.
Kashmir to celebrate UNESCO WIN
Junaid Azim Mattu, mayor of J&K’s Srinagar municipal corporation (SMC) said on Tuesday that month-long celebratory events will be held to celebrate the UNESCO tag of creative city for Srinagar.
Speaking to the media, the mayor called it the biggest day for the entire Srinagar district.
Mattu said that serious efforts have been made by everyone concerned to ensure that Srinagar achieves this milestone.
“We have achieved this milestone after a lot of hardwork and dedication. We have been pursuing this since 2018 and finally after the hard work and serious efforts by SMC Commissioner and other officers concerned, we have finally achieved the milestone. It is the biggest day for whole Srinagar”, Mattu said.
UNESCO on Monday included Srinagar as a creative city for its craft and folk art. In the final list, Srinagar had to closely compete with Gwalior for this year’s slot in the UNESCO list.
The Dossier for Srinagar’s claim was prepared by the J&K chapter of INTACH (Indian national trust for culture and heritage) with the assistance of other concerned agencies.
Saleem Beg, convener of J&K chapter of INTACH said the effort to get Srinagar its UNESCO recognition was started four years back.
