Latest news with #culturaldevelopment
UAE Moments
28-07-2025
- Business
- UAE Moments
Sheikha Bodour Becomes University of Leicester's 1st Honorary Professor
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at the American University of Sharjah (AUS), was formally conferred the title of Honorary Professor by the University of Leicester, a distinction given for the first time in the university's history. The ceremony took place at the School of Business's Brookfield Campus and was led by Professor Henrietta O'Connor and Professor Dan Ladley. This prestigious recognition honours her exceptional contributions to women's empowerment, child literacy, and cultural development on a regional and international scale. Connecting Cross-Cultural Academia and Creativity During her visit, Sheikha Bodour engaged with faculty and students and took part in a discussion on museum studies and research within the cultural sector—underscoring her commitment to international academic collaboration and cultural understanding. Championing Literacy, Inclusion, and Publishing Innovation As the founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, Sheikha Bodour has overseen the publication of over 500 socially conscious Arabic children's books across 15+ countries. Her Kalimat Foundation has delivered inclusive literacy programs in 31 nations. She played a pivotal role in the UAE's accession to the Marrakesh Treaty, which ensures accessible books for persons with print disabilities. She also established the Emirates Publishers Association, the UAE Board on Books for Young People, and made history in 2020 by becoming the first Arab woman to serve as President of the International Publishers Association since its founding in 1896. Empowering Women and Strengthening Educational Equity Reflecting on the honour, Sheikha Bodour said, 'This recognition from the University of Leicester is deeply meaningful… education is one of the most powerful ways to build cultural bridges.' She expressed her hope that the award inspires young women to 'lead with purpose' and claim their ideas and space confidently. Professor Dan Ladley described her as 'inclusive, inspiring and impactful,' praising her unwavering dedication to equality, leadership, and transformation across education and publishing. A Trailblazer's Broader Legacy Under Sheikha Bodour's leadership at AUS, new initiatives include six research centres spanning artificial intelligence, sustainability, and Islamic studies, as well as scholarship expansions for underrepresented students. She spearheaded the establishment of the first endowed academic chair for women's leadership in the UAE— the Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi Chair in Women's Leadership in partnership with NAMA Women Advancement Establishment. Her influence continues beyond academia: she drives cultural innovation through Sharjah Publishing City, UNESCO initiatives, and global platforms including WEF and UNESCO World Book Capital Networks. The University of Leicester's conferment of its first-ever Honorary Professorship on Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi is a historic tribute to her leadership in education, literacy, and cultural diplomacy. Her appointment symbolizes the university's values of inclusivity, global engagement, and academic excellence—and heralds a new era of cross-border collaboration and inspiration.
Zawya
22-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE and Hungary strengthen partnership to support families and drive social innovation
Dubai, UAE – The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Hungary have strengthened their bilateral relationship with a cooperation agreement signed by the UAE Ministry of Family and the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Innovation, with an aim to widen cooperation on family policy, cultural development, social innovation, and youth empowerment. This cooperation forms part of the two countries' shared commitment to supporting the family, prioritising it as the key pillar of the community, social cohesion, and sustainable development. UAE Minister of Family Her Excellency Sana bint Mohammed Suhail asserted that the cooperation agreement with the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Innovation is a pivotal step towards promoting the role of the family as a building block for cohesive and sustainable communities. 'This partnership underscores our dedication at the Ministry of Family to sharing knowledge and best practices with our international partners, in order to support policies that empower families and promote the health and wellbeing of all family members – and particularly, the youth,' H.E. the Minister added. 'Our cooperation with Hungary will facilitate our efforts to launch innovative initiatives rooted in our culture and social values. It is set to open up new prospects for collaboration in early childhood education and parent empowerment, which, in turn, lays the foundations for inclusive and sustainable development in both countries.' For his part, H.E. Balázs Hankó, Hungarian Minister of Culture and Innovation, said: 'Hungarian society takes pride in the fact that, despite all the challenges and developments in today's world, we continue to uphold the belief that the family is the cornerstone of the entire community. We also believe in the importance of the extended family and intergenerational bonds built on mutual respect and sharing. These are values that we share with the United Arab Emirates, and that will serve as the basis for our efforts to strengthen ties between our two nations.' 'At the same time, Hungary has a national vision to become an advanced digital and industrial state,' H.E. Hankó continued. 'However, we are facing demographic challenges, and with that in mind, we look forward to exchanging expertise with our counterparts in the UAE – a country that has become a regional and global model in supporting families and promoting social innovation. This is a strategic priority for us, not merely a short-term step.' A Strong Family for a Cohesive Society The collaboration agreement between the UAE Ministry of Family and the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Innovation, aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two partners in all areas related to family policy, social initiatives, and cultural activities. It reflects a shared vision that prioritises strengthening family bonds, ensuring balance between work and family life, and strengthening intergenerational relationships, which helps build stronger and more cohesive societies. The agreement seeks to launch initiatives targeting the youth and designed to support family values among them, foster intergenerational dialogue, and explore innovative solutions to contemporary family issues. Cooperation also includes organising joint research projects bringing together specialised institutions from both countries to focus particularly on topics such as family statistics and shifting social roles. Moreover, the agreement aims to empower parents by developing support systems, flexible policies, and family-friendly work environments. In addition to developing a clear roadmap toward increasing parental awareness through comprehensive and sustainable programmes. Advancing Knowledge Exchange The partnership's execution framework includes hosting joint seminars, conferences, and policy discussions, as well as delegations and expert visits. It also involves the creation of collaborative research projects, awareness campaigns, study tours, and training programmes designed to develop the skills of professionals working in related social and cultural fields. The three-year renewable collaboration is a testament to both parties' sincere desire to build a long-term relationship that benefits families and the community. The agreement presents a practical framework that embodies a shared commitment to building bridges for constructive collaboration and knowledge sharing, which, in turn, serves the interests of both countries. Furthermore, the agreement reflects the shared vision between the UAE and Hungary to build prosperous societies that place families at their core, prioritising innovation and cultural integration as an engine towards a more inclusive and stable future.
Emirates 24/7
22-05-2025
- General
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai Culture Launches ‘Close to You' Initiative to Empower People of Determination
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has launched its 'Close to You' initiative to support employees who are People of Determination by improving satisfaction, promoting personal and professional development, and encouraging active participation in Dubai's cultural scene. This effort is part of Dubai Culture's commitment to social responsibility and aligns with the Dubai Government's 'My Community... A City for Everyone' initiative, which aims to make the city fully inclusive and accessible for People of Determination. As a first step, the Authority held the inaugural annual meeting of its People of Determination Council at Al Safa Art & Design Library. Department heads, employees of determination, and their families gathered to foster open dialogue and engagement. Participants shared innovative ideas and practical solutions to expand accessibility measures and discussed how to bring them to life. The session also examined ways Dubai Culture can further build a more welcoming work environment that reflects the aspirations and needs of its diverse team. Dubai Culture earned ten Autism-Friendly Certifications (AFC) from the Dubai Autism Center. These recognitions underscore the Authority's success in delivering on all aspects of an inclusive space: staff preparedness, facility adaptations, and tailored services for People of Determination. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- General
- Zawya
Dubai Culture launches ‘Close to You' initiative to empower people of determination
Dubai, UAE: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has launched its 'Close to You' initiative to support employees who are People of Determination by improving satisfaction, promoting personal and professional development, and encouraging active participation in Dubai's cultural scene. This effort is part of Dubai Culture's commitment to social responsibility and aligns with the Dubai Government's 'My Community... A City for Everyone' initiative, which aims to make the city fully inclusive and accessible for People of Determination. As a first step, the Authority held the inaugural annual meeting of its People of Determination Council at Al Safa Art & Design Library. Department heads, employees of determination, and their families gathered to foster open dialogue and engagement. Participants shared innovative ideas and practical solutions to expand accessibility measures and discussed how to bring them to life. The session also examined ways Dubai Culture can further build a more welcoming work environment that reflects the aspirations and needs of its diverse team. Dubai Culture earned ten Autism-Friendly Certifications (AFC) from the Dubai Autism Center. These recognitions underscore the Authority's success in delivering on all aspects of an inclusive space: staff preparedness, facility adaptations, and tailored services for People of Determination.
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Royal Armouries in £11m deal for Leeds waterfront site
The Royal Armouries museum in Leeds has bought the land it stands on for £11.69m and has unveiled plans to develop the city centre waterfront purchase of the freehold, funded by a government loan via the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, includes ownership of surrounding buildings at Leeds of the museum, which will mark its 30th anniversary next year, said the move would allow it to develop the dock area to include multi-use riverside arts, events and conference General Nat Edwards said the land deal "puts the organisation in a better position to drive future development for the benefit of Leeds". Making the announcement at the UK Real Estate, Investment & Infrastructure Forum, being held at the Armouries, Ms Edwards said it would generate almost £30m for the local economy."This £11.69m government loan for the Royal Armouries to purchase the land outright is an investment in the future," she explained."It gives the Royal Armouries full control over the museum site for the first time and puts the organisation in a better position to drive future development for the benefit of Leeds."With ownership of the land secured with a government-backed loan, the next step is to secure investment to substantially increase the capacity to grow conference, event and hotel capacity at Leeds Dock."Museums Minister Sir Chris Bryant added: "I'm delighted the Royal Armouries are moving ahead with this ambitious and exciting scheme."It will make much more long-term economic sense and enable one of our great museums, which families love, to visit to flourish long into the future." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
