26 October 2020
A Recommendation Proposed by Bahrain to Celebrate UNESCO’s Adopted International Day of Islamic Art Culture Authority participates in the virtual 50th meeting of General Cultural Committee
The Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, represented by H.E Shaikha Hala Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Director General for Culture & Arts and Mr. Hani Jamal, Bahrain National Theater Director, participated in the 50th meeting of GCC Public Culture Committee, which was held virtually on 26 October 2020.
The meeting agenda discussed the Final Statement of “Riyadh Declaration” issued by the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) at the closing of its 40th meeting session, spearheading GCC cooperation, strengthening ties with Africa and Asia in this regard. The participants also discussed impact of the Coronavirus pandemic (Covid 19) on the cultural sector in GCC countries.
The Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities proposed, as part of GCC joint efforts to coordinate the regional response to the coronavirus, COVID-19, that a joint virtual Gulf countries’ platform be established through which the efforts of the GCC countries are united to support the continuity of cultural work under the current circumstances. This platform can invite and host high culture figures and renowned personalities from the GCC, Arab countries and from the rest of the world to contribute, given the civilizational and cultural values they represent, in spreading the culture of solidarity, respect and peace. The Culture Authority also proposed to enrich this platform with influential content, reflecting the cultural and civilizational heritage in the GCC countries, as well as shedding lights on GCC societies’ outstanding achievements and contributions in their quest for development and advancement of human well-being and highest values.
The meeting also touched on Bahrain’s call, represented by the Culture Authority, to celebrate the International Day of Islamic Art on November 18 of each year, which was officially approved based on the recommendation of the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, following the proposal made by the Kingdom of Bahrain. Indeed, this major annual event should be celebrated through various events such as interviews, workshops and art exhibitions. In addition, the meeting also included the proposal to celebrate the Day of Islamic Art among the recommendations of the General Cultural Committee, which, in turn will be submitted to their excellences culture undersecretaries, in preparation for submitting the proposal to their Excellencies GCC Ministers of Culture.
The participants in this remote online meeting stressed the importance of the implementation of 23rd Meeting of their Highnesses and Excellencies GCC Ministers of Culture, which approved and endorsed the Cultural Strategy for GCC States (2020-2030).
