Celebrating Arab Culture and Unity || A Glimpse into UNESCO Arab Week
Today we will take you on a vibrant journey to the heart of Arab culture and heritage through our coverage of UNESCO Arab Week. Held at the prestigious UNESCO headquarters in Paris, this event not only showcased the rich tapestry of Arab traditions but also served as a powerful platform for cultural diplomacy and international dialogue.
From the elegance of traditional garments to the evocative performances that spoke of unity and resilience, Arab Week brought together the best of Arab creativity and intellectual prowess. Join CIIN as we explore how these cultural festivities offer more than just entertainment—they are a testament to the strength and solidarity of Arab communities, especially those affected by conflict. Through interviews with key figures and on-the-ground reports, we uncover the role of Arab nations in fostering global cultural understanding and the critical part that women in leadership play in steering this cultural renaissance on the global stage.
What does attending Arab Week at UNESCO mean to you personally and professionally?
Attending Arab Week at UNESCO is both a personal and professional milestone for me. Personally, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see Jordan’s rich cultural heritage and creative talent recognized on such a prestigious global stage. Professionally, it reinforces my mission to elevate Jordanian designers and bring their work to international audiences. Being part of this event allowed me to represent Jordan’s vibrant fashion scene while fostering meaningful connections between our designers and the global community. It’s an honor to showcase the beauty and strength of our heritage, blending tradition with modern innovation.
Not to mention, it was a great honor to be chosen to organize the fashion show for the participating Arab countries, presenting their traditional garments and cultural expressions. This opportunity allowed me to celebrate the diverse heritage of the Arab world while ensuring each country’s unique identity was respectfully highlighted on the global stage.
How do you feel events like Arab Week contribute to promoting Arab culture and heritage on a global stage especially?
Events like Arab Week are incredibly important in promoting Arab culture and heritage on a global stage. I feel a deep sense of pride and responsibility in being part of such a meaningful event. Arab Week not only showcases the beauty and diversity of our traditions, but it also breaks down cultural barriers and fosters a greater understanding of our shared history and values. For me, it’s an emotional experience to see the incredible talent of our Arab designers and artisans being recognized and celebrated worldwide. It’s a powerful reminder of the richness of our cultures and how, through collaboration and creativity, we can shape a future that honors and elevates our heritage. Seeing our traditions brought to life in a modern context, with global audiences appreciating them, fills me with hope for the continued global recognition and respect for Arab cultures.
Could you share your thoughts on the role of Jordan in fostering Arab unity and international relations?
Jordan plays a pivotal role in fostering Arab unity and strengthening international relations, particularly through cultural diplomacy. At the forefront of this effort is H.E. Leena Al-Hadid, Jordan’s Ambassador to France and the Permanent Representative of the Arab Group at UNESCO. Her leadership during events like Arab Week at UNESCO helps showcase the Arab world’s rich cultural heritage and positions Jordan as a cultural bridge between the Arab world and the global community. By promoting Arab history, literature, and arts, Jordan actively contributes to dialogue and collaboration within the Arab region and beyond.
Through the Arab Week initiative, which was launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and supported by Jordan, 22 Arab countries had the opportunity to present their diverse cultural narratives. This not only strengthens ties among Arab nations but also enhances their visibility on the global stage. The event featured cultural exhibitions, fashion shows, and seminars that emphasized shared values and collective contributions to science, philosophy, and the arts, further promoting Arab unity.
Jordan’s participation, led by Ambassador Al-Hadid, underscores the country’s ongoing commitment to preserving its heritage while engaging in meaningful global exchanges. By organizing and showcasing Jordanian talent at such esteemed platforms, Jordan reinforces its role as a leader in the Arab world, fostering both cultural and diplomatic relations.
What specific activities or exhibitions were you most enthusiastic about during Arab Week?
One of the most memorable aspects of Arab Week at UNESCO was the opportunity to experience the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Arab world through fashion, exhibitions, and thought-provoking discussions. The panels on preserving intangible heritage were inspiring, highlighting the importance of safeguarding our cultural narratives. However, one of the most unforgettable moments was the closing night performance, where the national anthems of all the Arab countries were beautifully woven into one powerful song. This emotional composition, symbolizing the pride and unity of the Arab world, was written and performed by talented Jordanian artists Ahmad Al-Zamil and Mohammad Bashar. The performance was further enhanced by the stunning choreography of dancers from Saudi Arabia. Given the difficult times in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq, this performance was incredibly moving. I have never been prouder to be an Arab; it truly brought tears to my eyes. It served as a powerful reminder of the resilience and solidarity of the Arab world, reinforcing our shared values and emphasizing the importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering unity during these challenging times.
How can Arab Week help change stereotypes or misconceptions about UNESCO Arab culture?
UNESCO Arab Week is key in breaking stereotypes about Arab culture by providing a platform to showcase its diverse heritage. Through exhibitions, performances, and discussions at UNESCO, it highlights the richness of Arab history, art, and traditions, which are often overlooked or misrepresented in the media.
These events help show the human side of Arab culture, focusing on shared values, creativity, and intellectual contributions. For example, by promoting Arab music, fashion, and dance, Arab Week breaks down stereotypes by showing the diversity within the Arab world. It also highlights the role of women, scientific discoveries, and the arts, offering a more complete and accurate view of Arab life.
UNESCO Arab Week also fosters intercultural dialogue, helping people understand Arab culture more deeply, beyond the conflict and oppression often shown in the media. By emphasizing the strength of cultural traditions and modern achievements, it challenges outdated views and offers a more balanced picture of the Arab world’s contributions to global culture.
In times of crisis, art and culture can be powerful tools for healing. How do you think UNESCO Arab Week provides a space for expression, solidarity, and healing, particularly for communities affected by conflict?
UNESCO Arab Week provides an invaluable space for expression, solidarity, and healing, especially for communities affected by conflict. Through its cultural showcases, discussions, and performances, the event creates a platform for communities to share their stories, preserve their heritage, and express their collective resilience. At a time when many Arab nations are enduring crises, such as the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, UNESCO Arab Week served as a reminder of the power of culture to unite and heal.
The performances and exhibitions, which emphasize shared values of strength, hope, and unity, not only highlight the diverse cultural contributions of the Arab world but also foster solidarity among communities facing hardships. By focusing on cultural diplomacy and artistic expression.
Moreover, the event also encourages a global conversation on the importance of supporting the Arab world during these difficult times, reinforcing the need for international understanding and compassion. It is a platform that empowers artists and cultural leaders to communicate the resilience of their people, providing a space for both reflection and hope.
With cultural heritage sites in Gaza and Lebanon at risk, how does UNESCO Arab Week emphasize the importance of protecting cultural identity in times of conflict?
UNESCO Arab Week plays a vital role in highlighting the importance of protecting cultural identity, particularly in conflict zones like Gaza and Lebanon. UNESCO and its partners use art, exhibitions, and discussions to raise awareness about the urgency of safeguarding such heritage. These efforts help emphasize the role of cultural diplomacy in building solidarity and ensuring the survival of cultural memory even during challenging times. UNESCO Arab Week advocates for the protection of these sites not just as physical landmarks, but as symbols of resilience, history, and identity, which are essential for healing and rebuilding in post-conflict scenarios.
By bringing these issues to global attention, UNESCO Arab Week helps foster a deeper understanding of the fragility of cultural heritage in conflict areas like Gaza, encouraging international cooperation for preservation efforts. Cultural heritage sites in Gaza and Lebanon are more than just historical landmarks—they are vital to the collective identity and memory of the Arab world, and their preservation is crucial for healing and recovery during times of war.
In what ways does UNESCO Arab Week confront or counter the one-dimensional narratives portrayed in global media about the Arab world, especially during times of conflict?
UNESCO Arab Week provides a crucial platform to challenge the narrow, conflict-focused narratives about the Arab world often seen in global media. Coverage of the region tends to highlight violence and instability, overshadowing its rich cultural heritage, intellectual achievements, and daily life. By showcasing the dynamic aspects of Arab culture—art, literature, music, and dance—Arab Week counters these stereotypes and highlights the region’s vibrancy.
Through exhibitions, performances, and dialogues, the event shifts the focus to stories of creativity and resilience, particularly during ongoing crises in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. This celebration underscores the strength of Arab identity, proving that the region’s contributions go far beyond the headlines. By presenting shared values and traditions, such as traditional music and designs by Arab creators, it offers a more nuanced understanding of the Arab world and a counter-narrative to media portrayals.
UNESCO Arab Week also emphasizes the intellectual contributions of Arab civilizations, including advancements in science, literature, and philosophy, while fostering intercultural dialogue. This initiative invites global audiences to engage with Arab culture, encouraging a broader perspective that transcends conflict. It serves as a unifying force, helping rebuild the image of the Arab world and showcasing its enduring richness and significance.
What role do you think women in Arab leadership play in cultural diplomacy and international relations?
Women in Arab leadership are increasingly essential in cultural diplomacy and international relations, breaking down barriers and leading change, especially in cultural exchange. Their involvement is critical in shaping the narrative around Arab culture, offering nuanced and empathetic perspectives that counter simplistic or negative portrayals in the global media.
Prominent figures like H.E. Leena Al-Hadid, Jordan’s Ambassador to France, have played instrumental roles in promoting cultural heritage and fostering international collaborations. Al-Hadid’s leadership, especially in initiatives like UNESCO’s Arab Week, showcases how women are spearheading efforts to elevate the Arab world’s cultural identity on the global stage. Her work demonstrates how women in leadership not only champion art and culture but also strengthen diplomacy and international relations, building bridges between regions through intellectual and cultural exchange.
Personally, I believe women in leadership have a special role to play in cultural diplomacy because they often act as connectors—uniting people through shared cultural expressions like music, fashion, and art. Women have the ability to communicate across cultures in ways that transcend traditional diplomacy. It’s a movement I am proud to support, and one that will continue to change the narrative in meaningful ways.
How do you see the collaboration between UNESCO and Arab countries evolving in the coming years?
Collaboration between UNESCO and Arab countries is set to grow, focusing on cultural heritage, education, and sustainability. Initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Mawhiba, which promotes STEM education and empowers youth, showcase how these partnerships drive inclusion and innovation. UNESCO’s work in preserving Arab heritage and fostering cultural exchange, such as through Arab Week, also helps shift global perceptions and strengthen ties.
As these collaborations deepen, Arab nations are poised to play a greater role in global cultural diplomacy and development, creating a more interconnected and resilient future.
