Emirates News Agency – NYU Abu Dhabi, Al-Waleed Charity sign MoU to collaborate on Al-Waleed Cultural Network

ABU DHABI, 12th April, 2023 (WAM) — New York University Abu Dhabi, NYUAD, and Saudi Arabian NGO Alwaleed Philanthropies (AP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of the Alwaleed Cultural Network (ACN) , a new worldwide network of accredited academic and cultural institutions funded by AP.

ACN’s mission is to encourage intercultural understanding in local communities and around the world through relevant programs of education, arts, and public engagement. NYUAD will seek to collaborate with other members of the network to design and deliver programs that further the goals of the ACN, and the AP will have a communication role in the operation of the ACN.

HRH Princess Lamia bint Majed, Secretary General of Alwaleed Philanthropies commented: “At Alwaleed Philanthropies we believe in partnership. The partnership agreement between Alwaleed Philanthropies and NYU Abu Dhabi is a true example of integration and collaboration in the digital sphere. Leveraging academic and cultural The power of education, Alwaleed Cultural Network represents a flexible communication model. Alwaleed Cultural Network aims to bring together important universities, museums and cultural institutions from around the world to help create a more inclusive and connected world. This is done through a Accessible online platform and a trusted program of research, education, arts and community engagement.”

NYU Vice Chancellor Mariët Westermann added: “At NYU Abu Dhabi, we take seriously the transformative power of philanthropy to catalyze change for social good. We welcome the opportunity to partner with Alwaleed Philanthropies for its visionary philanthropy The cause recognizes that arts and culture are integral resources to our shared humanity. By bridging cultural divides, the Alwaleed Cultural Network is fostering vital understanding, empathy, compassion and transnational collaboration.”

ACN patrons include Harvard University (USA), Cambridge University (UK), Edinburgh University (UK), American University of Cairo (Egypt), American University of Beirut (Lebanon), History of Science and the Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford (UK), and the Pergamon Museum in Berlin (Germany). The partners agree that different cultures have remarkable histories and common exchanges. To this end, ACN’s various programs foster intercultural dialogue and provide an underlying support system in the global academic and cultural ecosystem.