Manal Ataya, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, highlighted the role of museums in promoting cultural diplomacy and establishing the language of dialogue between cultures and religions, during a virtual lecture, organized at the Albright Institute of Wellesley College in the United States of America.
Ataya addressed a presentation entitled “Soft Power: What is the Relationship of Art to International Diplomacy?” A number of students and colleagues from various disciplines in the college, speaking about the UAE’s efforts to strengthen relations with the countries of the world through cultural diplomacy, and what resulted in the country achieving the first place regionally and tenth globally in the power of “influence” according to the global soft power index for the year 2022.
She added that museums in the United Arab Emirates, especially in Sharjah, have served as main channels for cultural diplomacy and as part of a larger soft power strategy to enhance foreign relations, noting that art exhibitions, educational programmes, discussion sessions and publications have contributed to enhancing people’s understanding and appreciation of other cultures.
She explained that art, as a mirror of humanity and a visual documentation of the social and political life of nations, helps societies understand themselves and others, in addition to its role in promoting the values of tolerance and empathy, stressing the importance of museums and their collections and holdings as channels to explore and show the deep historical ties between the region and other countries of the world that can be traced. easily over many centuries.
Ataya said: “Museums in the Emirates are spaces for open cultural dialogues, learning and inquiries, as civic centers that help overcome intellectual differences, nurture understanding and generally encourage social cohesion and positive participation. They also play a vital role in empowering young people to establish a global mindset that qualifies them to become cultural ambassadors.” for their countries as it provides them with the tools to develop a deeper understanding of diversity, which is an essential skill necessary to thrive in today’s globalized environment.”
Ataya’s speech came as part of an intensive three-week program of panel discussions and training sessions hosted last Wednesday by the Albright Institute in the United States, which aims to point out the links between education and practice for aspiring global leaders, and represents and advocates the value of diverse and multiple perspectives in facing global challenges. .
The program, in its edition this year, which was held under the slogan “Diplomats Toolbox: Making the World Safe for Democracy”, which is held annually in January, brought together 40 students from Wellesley University from various departments and disciplines.
