Latest news with #WorldDayforCulturalDiversityforDialogueandDevelopment
Gulf Today
25-05-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
ALA, UNESCO highlight role of historical dictionaries
The Arabic Language Academy (ALA) in Sharjah, in collaboration with UNESCO, held a specialised symposium to highlight the importance of historical linguistic dictionaries. The event coincided with the honouring of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for completing the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, now officially included in the UNESCO Library. The symposium also marked the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. The symposium explored the significance of historical dictionaries across languages, including Arabic, French, Italian, Spanish, and German. It brought together distinguished scholars from leading linguistic and academic institutions across Europe and the Arab world. Speakers included Dr Amhamed Safi Mosteghanemi (Sharjah Arabic Language Academy), Dr Paolo Dacicelli (La Crusca, Rome), Dr Sebastian Geuther (University of Göttingen, Germany), Dr Charlotte Curie (University of Lyon III, France), and Dr Laura Gago Gómez (University of Salamanca, Spain). Dr Wael Farouk, Director of the Institute of Arab Culture at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan, moderated the symposium. Ali Al Haj Al Ali, Permanent Representative of the UAE to UNESCO, opened the event with a speech on behalf of the Arab Group. He praised Sheikh Sultan for his tireless efforts in supporting the Arabic language and emphasised the cultural and academic value of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. Al Ali described the dictionary's inclusion in the UNESCO Library as more than a scholarly achievement — it is a celebration of centuries of Arabic intellectual heritage. He called the dictionary a 'timeless scientific treasure' and underscored the Arab Group's commitment to transforming Arabic into a tool for innovation and future development. Dr Amhamed Safi Al Mostghanemi provided a detailed overview of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, its inception, and the massive collaborative effort involved. He emphasised its comprehensive documentation of word usage, historical evolution, and cultural significance — making it the largest and most modern Arabic linguistic reference of its kind. Dr Dacicelli discussed Italy's historical dictionaries, the evolving content, and their role in preserving linguistic history. He highlighted how such works provide insight into word origins and their transformations over time. Dr Geuther reviewed Germany's over 30 historical dictionaries, including the renowned Grimm Brothers' dictionary. He discussed their role in chronicling the German language's classical roots and regional dialects. WAM
Korea Herald
23-05-2025
- General
- Korea Herald
UNESCO honours Sharjah Ruler for Arabic historical dictionary
PARIS, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, a Supreme Council Member and the Ruler of Sharjah, was awarded a distinguished UNESCO honour upon the completion of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. At the official ceremony held at UNESCO's headquarters in Paris, themed "Arabic Language: A Bridge Between Heritage and Knowledge", Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), was present, along with Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). Upon his arrival at UNESCO headquarters, His Highness was received and warmly welcomed by Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO; Fahd Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to France; Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah's Department of Culture; Jamal Al-Turaifi, President of Al Qasimia University; Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority; Ali Al-Haj Al Ali, UAE Permanent Delegate to UNESCO; and Mohamed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah delivered a speech during the ceremony, stating, "It is my honour to stand among you today in this esteemed cultural forum at UNESCO, whose noble mission we revere and whose fruitful partnership we cherish. Together, we commemorate a groundbreaking scholarly and cultural milestone, the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. This occasion is further enriched by its coincidence with the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a day designated by UNESCO to promote mutual understanding and respect among cultures, reinforcing our collective humanity. "Language, in all its forms, undeniably serves as the main repository of culture and the most authentic reflection of a community's identity. In celebrating the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language today, we honour a vital aspect of our rich human diversity, represented by the Arabic language, which carries a deep civilisational heritage and has had a significant scientific and humanistic impact." His Highness subsequently emphasised the contributions of the partner institutions that played a role in the creation of the dictionary. His Highness emphasised that all languages possess an equal right to exist and evolve, stating, "When we restore to Arabic its rightful history and highlight the aspects of its development, we simultaneously affirm to the world that every language is entitled to existence, progress and celebration, and that cultural justice demands that humanity not be reduced to a single tongue, nor the civilisations of peoples confined to one model. Just as biodiversity ensures the continuity of life, cultural and linguistic diversity secures the ongoing evolution and revitalisation of human creativity." He then conveyed his sincere appreciation to UNESCO for recognising the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language and for the collaborative cultural initiatives between Sharjah and the organisation: He wrapped up with a call for unity: "Let us move forward together, dear friends, hand in hand, to enhance our cultural dialogue, to protect our common human heritage, and to guarantee that every culture's voice is acknowledged, every language valued, and every people stay true to their genuine identity." At the ceremony, Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, presented a speech to welcome His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. She expressed her pleasure regarding the visit of the Sharjah delegation to Paris, acknowledging the emirate as a worldwide centre of knowledge and culture. Azoulay emphasised Sharjah's significant investments in diverse areas that align with UNESCO's mission, pointing out its achievement of multiple international cultural awards. Azoulay praised the foresight of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, which has placed culture and knowledge at the heart of Sharjah's policies. She recognised the emirate's arrangements for various cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions that span multiple areas of culture, arts, and history. She acknowledged Sharjah's initiative in signing an agreement to digitise UNESCO's archives, marking a significant step towards preserving the organisation's vast collection of books and documents, some of which date back over 80 years. This initiative guarantees the protection of precious historical documents that detail various events, agreements, and initiatives. Azoulay conveyed her appreciation for the successful completion of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, a significant accomplishment achieved under the guidance of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. Created by a multitude of researchers and editors from 20 linguistic institutions throughout the Arab world, this dictionary has earned recognition from the Guinness World Records as the largest historical dictionary. At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah graciously signed a copy of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language and presented it as a gift to UNESCO.
The Star
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
OPPO and Discovery Channel team up to welcome World Day for Cultural Diversity
IN celebration of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, OPPO reaffirms its commitment to cultural preservation and cross-cultural understanding through its global initiative 'Culture in a Shot', in partnership with Discovery Channel. Launched in 2024, this global initiative enters its second year and has documented cultures in 15 countries, continuing its mission to celebrate and preserve cultural diversity through OPPO's imaging technology. As a global technology company operating in over 70 countries and regions, and serving 670 million of users worldwide, cultural diversity remains an integral part of its identity. Under the 2025 theme 'Celebrate the Moment', this year OPPO and Discovery Channel explores iconic festivals and celebrations across the globe—from the mystery of the Venice Carnival in Italy and the traditions of Nauryz in Kazakhstan, to the vibrant festivities of Brazilian football culture. Through the lens of OPPO smartphones, the initiative captures the stories behind these celebrations and how younger generations are keeping traditions alive in new ways. Universal joy of celebration Cultural events are the heartbeat of communities—powerful expressions of history, identity, and human connection. The journey this year begins in Italy with the legendary Venice Carnival, a celebration where history and fantasy merge. Once rooted in aristocratic traditions, it has transformed into a global cultural event that invites people from all walks of life to participate. With its vibrant masks, timeless architecture, and joyful spirit, Venice comes to life through OPPO's lens. Celebrating the Venice Carnival with vibrant masks and costumes. Travelling to Kazakhstan, the focus turns to Nauryz, the traditional New Year festival that symbolises renewal, prosperity, and unity. Deeply rooted in ancient customs, Nauryz transforms cities into open-air stages filled with music, dance, and elaborate costumes. A key part of the festival is sharing traditional meals like kumys (fermented horse milk) and nauryz-kozhe, a symbolic seven-ingredient dish. OPPO's imaging technology brings these rich traditions to life – capturing the warmth of family gatherings and the hope of new beginnings. Nauryz, the traditional New Year festival of Kazakhstan. Beyond traditional festivals, some forms of celebration are woven into everyday life. In Brazil, the spotlight turns to a different kind of festivity – football. More than just a sport, football is a national celebration and cultural ritual of Brazil, embraced by people of all ages and backgrounds. The story of 19-year-old player Mario Cesar Conceição Faria Júnior illustrates how football serves as a cultural heartbeat in Brazilian society—and how the younger generation continues to chase dreams through it. From backstreets to stadiums, football is a shared rhythm that ignites communities, inspires youth, and unites the nation in collective joy. Football is a national celebration and cultural ritual in Brazil. Tapestry of heritage stories Beyond the professional photography produced by OPPO and Discovery Channel, OPPO also encourages its communities worldwide to document and share their own cultural identities. In Malaysia, OPPO has been running the #OPPOMalaysiaThroughTheLens initiative since 2024, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO (MNCU). This year, the initiative captured the Thaipusam festival, a vibrant Malaysian Hindu tradition, highlighting how cultural practices are passed down through generations. More than a visual archive, Culture in a Shot is about participation—amplifying grassroots voices and encouraging people everywhere to take pride in their heritage. To extend this impact, the campaign continues on social platforms through the #OPPOCulturalChallenge on TikTok. Using hashtags #OPPOxDiscovery and #OPPOCulturalChallenge, creators are invited to share how they celebrate and preserve their traditions in daily life. For example, during Thailand's Songkran Festival, young creators embraced the challenge—merging creativity with tradition and breathing new life into age-old customs. Their contributions show that culture is not static; it evolves when shared, reinterpreted, and made personal for a new generation. To discover more stories and cultural highlights, please visit the Culture in a Shot webpage and join the #OPPOCultureChallenge that celebrates culture through the lens.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
OPPO and Discovery Channel Bring Global Celebration Moments to Life on the World Day for Cultural Diversity
SHENZHEN, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2025 - In celebration of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, OPPO reaffirms its commitment to cultural preservation and cross-cultural understanding through its global initiative Culture in a Shot, in partnership with Discovery Channel. Launched in 2024, this global initiative enters its second year and has documented cultures in 15 countries, continuing its mission to celebrate and preserve cultural diversity through OPPO's imaging technology. As a global technology company operating in over 70 countries and regions, and serving 670 million of users worldwide, cultural diversity remains an integral part of its identity. Under the 2025 theme 'Celebrate the Moment', this year OPPO and Discovery Channel explores iconic festivals and celebrations across the globe—from the mystery of the Venice Carnival in Italy and the traditions of Nauryz in Kazakhstan, to the vibrant festive of Brazilian football culture. Through the lens of OPPO smartphones, the initiative captures the stories behind these celebrations and how younger generations are keeping traditions alive in new ways. A Cultural Journey into the Universal Joy of Celebration Across the globe, festivals unite people through shared moments of joy, tradition, and togetherness. More than just vibrant spectacles, these cultural events are the heartbeat of communities—powerful expressions of history, identity, and human connection. The journey this year begins in Italy with the legendary Venice Carnival, a celebration where history and fantasy merge. Once rooted in aristocratic traditions, it has transformed into a global cultural event that invites people from all walks of life to participate. With its vibrant masks, timeless architecture, and joyful spirit, Venice comes to life through OPPO's lens. Travelling to Kazakhstan, the focus turns to Nauryz, the traditional New Year festival that symbolizes renewal, prosperity, and unity. Deeply rooted in ancient customs, Nauryz transforms cities into open-air stages filled with music, dance, and elaborate costumes. A key part of the festival is sharing traditional meals like kumys (fermented horse milk) and nauryz-kozhe, a symbolic seven-ingredient dish. OPPO's imaging technology brings these rich traditions to life—capturing the warmth of family gatherings and the hope of new beginnings. Beyond traditional festivals, some forms of celebration are woven into everyday life. In Brazil, the spotlight turns to a different kind of festivity—football. More than just a sport, football is a national celebration and cultural ritual of Brazil, embraced by people of all ages and backgrounds. The story of 19-year-old player Mario Cesar Conceição Faria Júnior illustrates how football serves as a cultural heartbeat in Brazilian society—and how the younger generation continues to chase dreams through it. From backstreets to stadiums, football is a shared rhythm that ignites communities, inspires youth, and unites the nation in collective joy. Football as a national celebration and cultural ritual of Brazil Weaving a Tapestry of Heritage Stories Beyond the professional photography produced by OPPO and Discovery Channel, OPPO also encourages its communities worldwide to document and share their own cultural identities. In Malaysia, OPPO has been running the #OPPOMalaysiaThroughTheLens initiative since 2024, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO (MNCU). This year, the initiative captured the Thaipusam festival, a vibrant Malaysian Hindu tradition, highlighting how cultural practices are passed down through generations. More than a visual archive, Culture in a Shot is about participation—amplifying grassroots voices and encouraging people everywhere to take pride in their heritage. To extend this impact, the campaign continues on social platforms through the #OPPOCultureChallenge on TikTok. Using hashtags #OPPOxDiscovery and #OPPOCultureChallenge, creators are invited to share how they celebrate and preserve their traditions in daily life. For example, during Thailand's Songkran Festival, young creators embraced the challenge—merging creativity with tradition, and breathing new life into age-old customs. Their contributions show that culture is not static; it evolves when shared, reinterpreted, and made personal for a new generation. OPPO Culture Challenge The global cultural journey continues. OPPO and Discovery Channel will explore more festivals and traditions—celebrating the diversity that connects people across borders. To discover more stories and cultural highlights, please visit the Culture in a Shot webpage and join the #OPPOCultureChallenge that celebrates culture through the lens.
Qatar Tribune
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Culture ministry marks 20th anniversary of 2005 Convention on Protection, Promotion of Diversity of Cultural Expressions
QNA Doha The Ministry of Culture on Wednesday celebrated the 20th anniversary of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. The event, which marks the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, commemorated globally on May 21 each year, was organised in collaboration with the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen and the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science at Bayt Al Hikma Hall within the ministry's premises. Throughout the celebration, the ministry presented a broad spectrum of programmes aligned with the implementation of the convention, alongside a series of engaging sessions conducted with the participation of UNESCO Regional Office and Qatar National Commission. Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Culture Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali said the ministry celebrates this day in recognition of cultural diversity, which constitutes a fundamental dimension in fostering dialogue among civilisations and cultures. This diversity is intrinsically linked to unwavering efforts aimed at developing cultural policies that bolster national creative production and position cultural industries as a vehicle for its protection, Dr. Al Ali highlighted. Dr. Al Ali added that Qatar has given special attention to cultural diversity and considered it part of its national challenges, emphasising that the nation strives to achieve this diversity through the Qatar National Vision 2030, in recognition of the fact that supporting this diversity is a vehicle for forging peace in the world. 'Cultural diversity is a source of unlocking human innovation in multiple fields, as it leads to the entwinement of culture with development. The nation has sought to empower this diversity within the Qatari community through the ministry-led role, which considers it as one of the key concerns of the Qatari community,' Dr. Al Ali noted. He highlighted that Qatar regards cultural differences as sources of societal enrichment and catalysts for the advancement of intellectual and creative capacities, for diversity enables not only the imparting of knowledge but also the sharing of lived experience. 'This diversity is an added value to the national identity, and there is no fear for an identity that stands on solid ground, as long as it believes in itself and values open dialogue with those who show respect for its culture,' he said, adding that this is exactly what the Qatari community has recognised since the days of the founding generation. Qatar has long been a welcoming place for people of all nationalities and cultures, and its people have always embraced others with open arms, holding fast to the belief that tolerance is the key to living peacefully among diverse nations, he underlined. Dr. Al Ali affirmed that cultural diversity is not a mere slogan but a lived reality embraced by society, one that the ministry actively seeks to reinforce, grounded in its conviction that cultural particularities serve as a vital bulwark against the forces of globalisation. 'The ministry affirms the capacity of culture to propel economic advancement and foster social cohesion. In pursuit of these objectives, a wide range of cultural initiatives has been launched both at home and abroad, with the Ministry working to activate cultural diversity through cultural weeks and the organisation of events for expatriate communities,' he highlighted. The recent conclusion of the Doha International Book Fair, one of the largest cultural events, embodies the nation's vision for cultural diversity. Work should consistently proceed to reinforce this diversity across all cultural platforms, ensuring that every single cultural domain reflects it and contributes meaningfully to sustainable development. Secretary-General of the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science Ali Abdulrazzaq Al Marafi stated that the Convention constitutes a pivotal milestone in international efforts to safeguard cultural diversity. He emphasised that the Convention reflects a shared vision aimed at promoting cultural pluralism as a foundational pillar of sustainable development. Building upon Qatar's unwavering commitment to these principles, he affirmed that Qatar's accession to the Convention stands as a clear testament to its dedication to advancing culture and affirming its pivotal role in cultivating a vibrant and dynamic community. He underscored the Commission's instrumental role in promoting awareness of this Convention and supporting its national implementation through coordination with relevant entities and the preparation of periodic reports. Al Marafi commended the ministry and national stakeholders for the latest report, reaffirming Qatar's commitment to cultural development. He highlighted the importance of global partnerships, particularly with UNESCO, in advancing the Convention's objectives. UNESCO Representative to the Gulf States and Yemen and Director of the UNESCO Office in Doha Dr. Salah Khaled affirmed that this celebration is not merely a commemoration but a recognition of major achievements and a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to a culture that embraces diversity, fosters creativity, and advances dialogue among peoples. Dr. Khaled added that since its adoption in October 2005, the Convention has served as a global framework for safeguarding cultural identities and reaffirming the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and UNESCO's Declaration on Cultural Diversity. 'The Convention has empowered communities and cultural practitioners worldwide. Since ratifying the Convention in February 2009, Qatar has remained committed to advancing its principles through ambitious cultural projects, international partnerships, and a vision that positions culture as a driver of sustainable development and a bridge to peace,' he said. Dr. Khaled noted that over the past two decades, the concept of cultural protection has undergone a profound transformation. Since 2005, he added, UNESCO has worked with over 159 countries, including Qatar, to convert the convention's principles into concrete programmes. The International Fund for Cultural Diversity has been created, along with the launch of the Creative Cities Network, which now includes over 300 cities worldwide, he highlighted. He affirmed that Doha joined the network in 2021 in the field of design, in recognition of Qatar's efforts to promote culture and creativity as part of its sustainable urban development
