Latifa Bint Mohammed Inaugurates The 2024 World Cities Culture Summit In Dubai Focusing On Youth And Cultural Innovation

H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, inaugurated the 2024 World Cities Culture Summit in Dubai. This event, themed ‘Tomorrow’s Culture: How Will the Next Generation Shape Our World?’, is being held in the MENA region for the first time. It has attracted participants from over 36 cities worldwide and will continue until 1 November.

The summit offers a platform for exchanging ideas and expertise, showcasing global commitment to supporting creative economies. It focuses on investing in cultural industries and fostering talent to reshape future creative cities. Sheikha Latifa expressed pride in Dubai hosting this prestigious event, highlighting its role as a global hub for culture, innovation, and creativity.

"Today, the world gathers in Dubai to explore culture’s power in shaping the cities of tomorrow and to establish a global framework for cultural policy. This summit reflects Dubai’s bold vision for the future, embodying the ambitions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to build a sustainable future by embracing creativity and innovation to address challenges. The theme, ‘Tomorrow’s Culture: How Will the Next Generation Shape Our World?’ resonates with our commitment to empowering our youth – the leaders of the future. With their ideas, talents, and creative visions, they will forge new paths of excellence and innovation, building a promising tomorrow," she said.

The opening ceremony took place at Al Maktoum Residence in Al Shindagha Museum. Emirati author Dubai Abulhoul delivered a keynote address on cultural storytelling's power in addressing current challenges. Her speech encouraged viewing culture as a tool bridging generational divides.

Justine Simons OBE stated that "The World Cities Culture Summit is shaping the future of our cities through culture. Hosted in Dubai for the first time, we have focused on the role young people can play in designing our future. As we look forward, cities must address the climate crisis, create good quality jobs, build cohesive communities and grow economies. Leaders from across the globe are working together to address these challenges and unlock the transformative power of culture for all."

The summit's first day featured sessions under ‘People, Places, and Planet’ at heritage houses within Al Shindagha Museum. Discussions included inspiring youth engagement with culture and addressing environmental challenges through creative solutions.

Innovative Initiatives

A session titled ‘Global Innovations for Creative Spaces’ explored strategies like creative land trusts to tackle rising living costs. Another session highlighted African cities as innovation hubs through cultural diplomacy and storytelling collaborations.

The summit also launched initiatives like a sustainability report integrating environmental considerations into cultural agendas and a policy accelerator focused on enhancing night-time cultural activities.

Cultural Engagement

‘24-Hour Culture: Designing the Night’ discussed inclusive night-time economies with initiatives like night markets energising urban spaces after dark. The final session explored new cultural engagement models involving Indigenous communities.

The third round of the ‘Leadership Exchange Programme,’ supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, was launched to foster collaboration among cities worldwide.

Dubai's Distinctive Mark

Dubai's proactive approach left a distinctive mark on this summit by actively involving its task force in programming for the first time ever. This emphasised local-global collaboration's importance in shaping urban cultural policies.

An innovative summit archive was introduced to document discussions comprehensively while ensuring longevity for best practices shared during this eventful gathering.

Showcasing Local Talent

The opening ceremony featured Emirati writer Shamma Al Bastaki alongside Oud player Seif Ahmed Al Ali celebrating UAE heritage through live performances highlighting local craftsmanship such as Al Sadu weaving or pottery making among others.

Dubai Culture introduced Emirati creatives like Chef Meera Al Naqbi along with twin chefs Abdulrahman & Maitha Al Hashmi whose culinary creations spiced up proceedings reflecting their mission towards inspiring talent whilst showcasing Emirati creativity globally.

Future Prospects

The summit serves as World Cities Culture Forum's flagship event providing city leaders an opportunity for sharing research intelligence exploring culture’s vital role driving social economic development globally amongst over 45 member cities sharing common factors related towards prosperity enhancement via cultural means alone!

This influential network brings together Deputy Mayors Commissioners Directors offering unique platforms connecting collaborating exchanging ideas peers worldwide encouraging solution-focused events improving citizens' lives through collaborative efforts made possible only thanks participation within these gatherings themselves!

With inputs from WAM