Cairo: The General Secretariat of the Arab League, specifically its Social Affairs Sector - Department of Culture and Dialogue of Civilisations, is set to convene a meeting tomorrow to track the progress of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 that pertain to culture.
According to Emirates News Agency, the timing of this meeting aligns with the annual celebration of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, which takes place on 21st May. This event is part of the Arab League's broader commemoration of the day that was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002, subsequent to UNESCO's 2001 adoption of the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity.
The Universal Declaration underscores the importance of culture as an essential component for achieving global prosperity, sustainable development, and peaceful coexistence. During the meeting, discussions will focus on strategies to advance culture-related objectives outlined in the SDG framework. Key topics include promoting a culture of peace and non-violence, safeguarding cultural and natural heritage, and enhancing international and regional cooperation in science, technology, and knowledge exchange.
The meeting will gather representatives from Arab member states along with delegates from various international, regional, and Arab organizations. This collaborative effort aims to bolster cultural coordination and foster integrated Arab efforts in sustainable cultural development.
In conjunction with the meeting, the Arab League will organize a cultural exhibition featuring contributions from several non-Arab countries, including Japan, China, India, and several African nations. This exhibition will highlight the richness and diversity of cultures through displays of traditional cuisine, jewellery, costumes, visual arts, cultural publications, and tangible heritage.