HE Noura Al Kaabi, the UAE’s Minster of Culture and Knowledge Development, participated in the 2019 Paris Peace Forum, highlighting the importance of international understanding and cooperation that is built on fostering relationships that transcend traditional diplomacy. At the event, Her Excellency explored the intersection of art and diplomacy during a dedicated industry panel on ‘Art of Dialogue: Dialogue of Arts’ focusing on the significance of culture as a powerful agent of peace.

Moderated by Steven Erlanger, Chief Diplomatic Correspondent for Europe, the New York Times, the panel also saw high profile global representation from industry leaders, including the French Minister of Culture – Franck Riester; Marina Loshak – Director of The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, Russia; Dr. Thomas S. Kaplan – Chairperson for ALIPH board and Founder of The Leiden Collection, USA; and Anibal Jozami - President of Bienalsur, Argentina.

Speaking at the panel, HE Noura Al Kaabi  said, “I  firmly believe art is for all. In the UAE, the relationship with art is strongly embedded in the country’s DNA. Art and culture are always the strongest tools to understand what separates the social individuals from backgrounds or religions, promoting peaceful coexistence. In the beginning  of year, the UAE hosted the first visit of His Holiness Pope Francis in the Arabian Peninsula, a significant milestone in unifying people from different cultures and religions.

“Another project that we are very proud of is the rebuilding of the Al Nuri Mosque, the Al-Tahera Church and Al-Saa'a Church in Mosul. We are the first country in the world to restore the churches in Mosul. All our global efforts are based on the basic principle of humanity and emphasizes the role culture plays in fostering international dialogue.”

 The French Minister of Culture, Franck Riester, commented, “Taking major art institutions to a wider audience through international collaboration is an important step in making culture more accessible. Louvre Abu Dhabi is a great example of taking the ‘heritage of humanity’ global. The Arabian Peninsula, which has always been at the crossroads of different civilizations,  has a very special role to play in demonstrating that, despite differences in religions and identities, humanity triumphs. A universal message that is represented by Louvre Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates.”

Thomas S. Kaplan, Chairperson for ALIPH board and founder of The Leiden Collection, another panelist at the session, said, “Bringing the Louvre to the UAE has been an exceptional experience. I believe the Louvre Abu Dhabi is an important cultural initiative of our generation and is a recognition of the UAE’s leadership to promote tolerance, mutual respect and universal understanding.”

The highly engaging panel covered a diverse range of topics including how arts brings together a better understanding in a larger society, the meaning of art outside of a conventional place like a gallery or museum, how can art be deployed and help address some of the key issues facing humanity.