Latest news with #GhassanSalamé
Emirates 24/7
28-05-2025
- General
- Emirates 24/7
Latifa bint Mohammed meets with Lebanon's Ministers of Culture, Information at Arab Media Summit
H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, met with Dr. Ghassan Salamé, Minister of Culture of Lebanon, and Dr. Paul Morcos, Minister of Information, on the sidelines of the Arab Media Summit. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Summit is organised by the Dubai Press Club and runs through 28th May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The meeting underscored the deep-rooted cultural ties between the UAE and Lebanon and reaffirmed the shared commitment to strengthening regional collaboration in the fields of culture, heritage preservation, the arts, and media. Discussions explored potential areas of partnership to support talent development and creative industries, focusing on empowering future generations and safeguarding the region's rich cultural legacy. H.H. Sheikha Latifa emphasised the importance of cultural dialogue in building bridges between societies and championing diversity as a pillar for sustainable development across the Arab world. The meeting was attended by Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, President of the Dubai Press Club, and Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Arab Media Summit; and Dr. Maitha Buhumaid, Secretary-General of the Arab Media Award, and Vice Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Arab Media Summit. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Khaleej Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Gaza, Syria, Lebanon reconstruction 'mutually beneficial', minister says
The reconstruction of Syria and Gaza are in the interest of the Lebanese people, and the reconstruction of Lebanon is also in the interest of Syria and Palestine, this was underscored by Lebanese Minister of Culture Dr. Ghassan Salamé at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai on Tuesday. 'For the first time, there are 7,300 Lebanese soldiers in areas they may not have gone to before, and we are in the process of raising this number to 10,000,' he stated, emphasising the restoration of state control over various territories with Lebanon's own forces. The second pillar of Lebanon's strategy focuses on material recovery following what Dr. Salamé described as a 'serious, terrible collapse' of the banking system and economic sector. 'We are in the stage of issuing the necessary legislation to build a strong banking system because this is the most important industry in Lebanon,' he explained, adding that efforts are underway to restore the economic cycle and secure conditions for tourism to return as a basic source of livelihood. Reconstruction forms the third component of Lebanon's recovery plan, though Dr. Salamé acknowledged significant obstacles, particularly Israel's continued presence in five occupied points in southern Lebanon and ongoing operations despite the ceasefire. Reconstruction funds Southern Lebanon requires an estimated $12-14 billion for reconstruction, Dr. Salamé noted, highlighting the changed regional dynamics. 'In the 1988 invasion of Lebanon or after the 2006 war, Lebanon was the spoiled child because it was the only one injured in the Near East region,' he said. The situation has dramatically shifted, with Gaza now requiring also $60-70 billion following recent bombardments, while numerous areas in Syria remain demolished. 'We must fully understand that the reconstruction of Syria and the reconstruction of Gaza are in the interest of the Lebanese, and vice versa,' Dr. Salamé emphasised. Arab League effectiveness Dr. Salamé delivered a stark assessment of the Arab League's current relevance, describing the recent Arab League Summit as the 'weakest ever,' concluding in less than three hours with minimal attendance by leaders of Arab countries. 'Our League, which was pioneering in its activities after World War II, is no longer an appropriate framework for embracing the deep diversity in Arab situations,' he observed, pointing to fundamental differences between various regions of the Arab world in economic development, social structures, technological advancement, and political orientation. Reflections on Arab cultural identity The minister reflected on the Arab Renaissance era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries as the region's golden age, characterised by liberation and openness to global concepts. This period saw Arab thinkers unify the status of the Arabic language and embrace ideas from around the world. 'We emerged from our gradual isolation and unified the status of our one language, Arabic, through a number of great renaissance thinkers,' Dr. Salamé said, contrasting this with current cultural dynamics. He expressed concern about the relationship between politics and culture, noting a significant shift. 'For a long time, we feared for culture from politics, while today, on the contrary, we fear for politics from the excessive use of cultural standards,' he stated. Dr. Salamé emphasised that culture should be viewed as one element of comprehensive recovery rather than a panacea. 'I do not say that culture is a remedy for all our problems. I am completely with a government policy that respects all its activities, from financial reform to economic reform to politics,' he added. Libya's progress and challenges Drawing on his experience as a UN envoy to Libya, Dr. Salamé highlighted achievements including a ceasefire established in 2020 that continues to hold five years later, despite occasional local clashes. Libya has successfully restored oil production to approximately 1.2 million barrels daily, 'which means that the portion allocated for daily life exists and is available to all Libyans,' he explained. However, political unity remains elusive due to the complexity of the situation and entrenched foreign interventions. 'We did not reach the third goal due to the complexity of matters and the entrenchment of foreign interventions in the Libyan situation,' Dr. Salamé said, expressing hope that 'Libyan brothers will achieve the third goal by themselves.' Dr. Salamé, who resigned from his UN position for health reasons, emphasised that identity is fluid rather than fixed, suggesting that the Arab world must adapt to changing realities while preserving its cultural foundations.
Al Etihad
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
UAE, Lebanese ministers underscore cultural heritage as 'a bridge to peace'
1 May 2025 16:08 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025 hosted a panel discussion titled 'Heritage for Peace: Safeguarding Heritage Sites in Conflict Zones', with the participation of Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State, and Dr. Ghassan Salamé, Lebanon's Minister of session focused on the vital role of cultural heritage in promoting peace, and rebuilding societies affected by conflict. Both speakers emphasised that the preservation of heritage serves as a bridge for peace, and a pillar for identity preservation, in war-torn Kaabi highlighted UAE-led initiatives that demonstrate how safeguarding cultural sites can support post-conflict recovery. The UNESCO-led 'Revive the Spirit of Mosul' project in Iraq – supported by the UAE – is rebuilding historic landmarks such as Mosul's Al-Nouri Mosque and Al-Tahera Church. More than 1,700 young Iraqis have been trained through this initiative to restore heritage sites and contribute to community reconstruction."Protecting both tangible and intangible culture is a top priority for the UAE," Al Kaabi said, underlining that the preservation of heritage is a collective responsibility, and "an integral part of fostering human dialogue and building bridges between peoples." She added that cultural heritage forms a fundamental element of community identity, and lays the foundations for peace and Kaabi also discussed the UAE's role in the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH), launched in partnership with France. Through ALIPH, the UAE has supported more than 500 projects worldwide dedicated to protecting and restoring cultural heritage. These efforts, she explained, align with the UAE's broader vision of raising global awareness, regarding the value of heritage, in building a sustainable future for the next generation. The international partnerships also underscore the significance of funding and collaborative action in safeguarding humanity's shared Ghassan Salamé commended the UAE's contributions, and stressed the need for inclusive, community-driven approaches to heritage preservation."Restoring heritage should not be left to international organisations alone – it must be a joint effort that engages local people and institutions, especially in countries facing economic challenges," Salamé cited the success of the Mosul reconstruction as a model example of how global and local partners can work hand in hand, calling it 'a successful model of international-local collaboration in reviving heritage'. He also shared examples from Lebanon, including a youth-led initiative in Beirut to rehabilitate historic quarters after the 2020 port explosion, and community restoration efforts in Tripoli that have helped foster reconciliation. These case studies, he noted, illustrate the power of cultural projects in healing social divisions and rebuilding Al Kaabi and Dr. Salamé underscored that cultural heritage is more than physical structures; it is a source of identity, pride, and continuity for communities. Both sides agreed that safeguarding heritage in conflict zones not only preserves history but also unites people and restores normalcy. The panel concluded with a call for greater international cooperation and commitment to this cause. The speakers urged governments, international agencies and local stakeholders to integrate cultural heritage protection into peacebuilding policies, increase funding for restoration projects, and support grassroots initiatives. They affirmed that these concerted efforts will ensure that heritage sites can endure as symbols of resilience and bridges of peace for future generations.
Al Etihad
30-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
ADIBF2025: TRENDS pavilion organises roundtable on AI, launches two new books
30 Apr 2025 13:08 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)TRENDS Research & Advisory continues its active presence at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025 with a dynamic programme of research and intellectual activities that explore the profound transformations shaping the contemporary world. For the fourth consecutive day, the TRENDS pavilion has attracted visitors and those interested in research and culture, offering a wide range of pavilion welcomed several high-level visits, most notably that of H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, accompanied by H.E. Dr. Ghassan Salamé, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Lebanon.H.E. Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President, also visited the pavilion, where he reviewed the latest publications and studies, and stopped by the heritage corner, which highlights the story of UAE pearls. He praised the centre's efforts in preserving and documenting national notable visitor was H.E. Dr. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the UAE President, who commended the intellectual and research role that TRENDS plays in supporting the cultural landscape regionally and pavilion also received Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, who explored key recent publications and praised the richness of the centre's content and its contribution to advancing thought and Maisoon Al Qasimi also visited the pavilion, where she was introduced to TRENDS' research strategy and its broad knowledge services. She praised the quality of its publications, describing them as a valuable addition to Emirati and Arab a Platinum Sponsor of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, TRENDS affirms its commitment to promoting intellectual dialogue, supporting rigorous scientific research, and serving culture and thought in the UAE and the wider region. Culture in the AI EraTRENDS Youth Council organised a roundtable titled "Redefining Culture in the AI Era," held at the centre's pavilion with the participation of members from Abu Dhabi youth councils and TRENDS researchers. The session explored a number of vital themes, most notably how AI is reshaping the concept of culture and reading, and whether it enhances critical thinking and analytical skills or instead fosters dependence on ready-made tools that may reduce deep thinking. The discussion further raised important questions about whether AI encourages genuine reading or creates a generation reliant on fast browsing and auto-generated summaries without true expressed diverse perspectives. Some saw AI as a powerful tool that expands learning opportunities and provides rapid, efficient access to vast amounts of information. Others voiced concerns that overreliance on such tools could lead to a decline in critical thinking skills and deep reading comprehension. They stressed that culture is not measured by the number of pages read but by the depth of understanding and a theme dedicated to education, the session discussed how educational institutions are responding to digital transformation and the need to update curricula to include cultural AI skills, such as source verification, critical reading, and ethical use of technological tools. Attendees emphasized the importance of striking a balance between using technology and strengthening core human skills like creativity, reflection, and expressive ethical dimension of AI use was also discussed, particularly in light of the widespread adoption of summarisation, translation, and writing tools. Youth participants examined how they can cultivate knowledge habits that ensure they remain active thinkers rather than passive recipients. Calls were made to raise awareness about the risks of total dependence on AI and to reinforce the importance of thoughtful reading and independent session concluded with youth recommendations calling for a redefinition of "culture" to include digital literacy and creative interaction with technology, without abandoning the foundational values of human knowledge. The recommendations highlighted the need to encourage smart reading platforms and develop school and university programs that integrate AI within balanced and responsible educational frameworks. Latest Releases As part of its ongoing activities, TRENDS launched two new publications that add to its growing body of research. The first book, titled "Tolerance in the UAE: Heritage, Value, and Institutional Framework," is authored by H.E. Abdullah Majed Al-Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives. It explores the UAE's model of tolerance, from its historical roots to its modern institutional policies, analysing the role of wise leadership and Emirati diplomacy in embedding tolerance as a core human value and a pillar of the nation's soft power. The second book, "Anticipating the Future of the Muslim Brotherhood," is the 14th volume of the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia. It examines the evolution of political Islam following the Arab Spring, questioning whether the world is witnessing the "end of Islamism" or a structural transformation toward new forms of political and advocacy presence. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Abdullah bin Zayed receives Lebanese Culture Minister
30 Apr 2025 12:05 ABU DHABI (WAM) H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has received Dr. Ghassan Salamé, Minister of Culture of the meeting, they reviewed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to enhance them to serve their mutual meeting also touched upon prospects for cooperation between the two countries in the cultural sector and creative industries. The two sides further addressed a number of issues of common interest, in addition to the latest developments on the Lebanese scene.
