Culture and diversity: at the heart of a new identity in cities
On 21 February, 2019, Thinkers & Doers organized a new cycle of morning talks, ‘CONVERSATIONS’, in the Warehouse421 (Abu Dhabi). An event in co-production with the Institut français in the United Arab Emirates / Cultural department of the French Embassy attended by H.E. Noura al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development and HE Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, former Minister of State for Tolerance
This new ‘Conversations’ innovative cycle aims to address topics ranging from the art & culture, to artificial intelligence and tolerance, gathering a worldwide community of speakers and leaders, leading innovation and disrupting their industries.
The theme of the first converstation was : “Culture and diversity : at the heart of new identity in cities” with the following speakers :
Shaikha Hala bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Director General of the Culture and Arts Directorate at Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities
Ms. Vilma Jurkute, Director of Alserkal
Dr Khaled Alawadi, Assistant Professor, Khalifa University & Curator of 2018 UAE National Pavillon, Venice Architecture Biennale
And as moderator:
Mr. Sofiane Si Merabet, Founder of Karta consultancy and the Arab Confused platform
These four major personalities of the Arab and European cultural scenes were brought together, to exchange on culture as a structuring element of the history and future of cities, and as an identity base for reinventing identity.
As world-cities, Abu Dhabi, Manama, Dubai and Paris are puting culture at the heart of their development. For them, Culture is a valuable lever for attraction and outreach, but it is also a vector for dialogue between cultures and civilizations.
Eudeline de Tinguy, Co-Founder of Thinkers & Doers: “We are very honored to launch this cycle of events, CONVERSATION, in Abu Dhabi, dedicated to creation and innovation. Since always, our Think and Do tank has been bringing together and connecting international leaders, ‘’those who want to commit’’, those who innovate and create solutions to meet the world’s most pressing challenges. We act as an accelerator for change, strengthening economic, cultural and societal synergies, and this gathering on culture and diversity truly represents our purpose and the message we want to deliver to our members and partners. Thanks to our partners and the business communities in Abu Dhabi, this event will bring to light the many amazing initiatives, which are close to our heart.”
H.E. Ludovic Pouille, Ambassador of the France to the United Arab Emirates: “I have the immense pleasure to announce the partnership between the Institut français in the United Arab Emirates, cultural department of the French Embassy, and Thinkers & Doers for the upcoming talks cycle “Conversations”. With its combination of various themes and topics, the Thinkers & Doers’ program echoes the ambitions of the Emirati-French Cultural Dialogue as well as its key themes: arts and innovation.” Join us for the first talk on “Culture & Diversity: at the heart of a new identity in cities” within the particular context of Emirati society’s accelerated cosmopolitanism and France’s vision of a transformative community.
NEXT MEET-UPS IN ABU DHABI :
April 2019 on Artificial Intelligence
October 2019 on Tolerance