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GENEVA, 9th May, 2023 (WAM) — The United Arab Emirates hosted a new exhibition focusing on its traditional cultural heritage this week at the Palais des Nations, home to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland.
The exhibition titled Traditional Arts and Crafts of the United Arab Emirates, held in conjunction with the UAE’s participation in the 43rd Universal Periodic Review, uses photographs, videos, food and books to showcase the traditional arts and crafts of the UAE and highlights how these arts and crafts empower women, people of determination and children.
The exhibition, which is open to the public at the Palais des Nations from 8 to 10 May, is sponsored by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, President of the National Women’s Union and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, as well as the Supreme Chairman of the Family Development Foundation and National Mother.
The official launch of the exhibition was attended by Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development; Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al-Jarman, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva; Rym Al Falasy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Maternal and Child Council; and the United Nations Office at Geneva Director General Tatiana Valovaya and other officials.
In his speech at the official launch, Al Mazrui said: “I would like to thank Tatiana Valovaya, and especially her Department of Cultural Diplomacy and Outreach, for their generosity, passion, tireless efforts and dedication to ensure the success of this event.
“As we prepare to host COP28 in the UAE in November, with this exhibition we celebrate our ancestors, their connection to nature, their wisdom on sustainability and their extraordinary instinct for the future. This exhibition is about Celebrating our relationships, no matter who we are or where we come from – appreciating the differences, but appreciating the similarities, despite differences in space and time. Since we all walk the same path and ask the same questions, this exhibition Celebrating not only arts and crafts, but more importantly the stories behind their creation, and the heroic artists and artisans who have kept these traditions alive despite adversity and hardship. The exhibition celebrates Emirati women and their invaluable contributions to the UAE national story, while also Celebrating the country’s children who will continue to carry our precious heritage into the future.
“Furthermore, this exhibition would not have been possible without the vision, imagination and support of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, so I would also like to thank His Highness on behalf of all the women and children of the UAE.”
Valovaya, for his part, said: “First of all, I would like to thank Ambassador Al-Jarman for organizing this festive exhibition and enriching our program of cultural events. I also congratulate the UAE for its commitment to preserving and promoting its country’s cultural heritage. We all Knowing how unique the UAE’s heritage is, but through this exhibition we can not only see examples of their fantastic, intricate handicrafts, not only taste some of the country’s delicious dishes, but learn how these crafts and work to preserve the heritage Can promote gender equality, empowerment of women, inclusion of people with disabilities, children and young people and how they can contribute to their societies.
“We also saw how these traditions and heritage can be used to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It is very important that we not only see the beauty of the traditional UAE but also the beauty of the modern UAE. How and crafts contribute to a decent life for people, how they help everyone get involved in social work, how they allow people to make very powerful social, political and economic statements through their art and how we can work together to bring our A beautiful traditional past combined with our modern goals,” concludes HE Valovaya.
Rym Al Falasy said: “It is my great pleasure to convey to you His Highness’ greetings and her wish for success in all your efforts to highlight the true image of the United Arab Emirates and illuminate our true Emirati heritage.”
Al Falasy expressed his gratitude to His Excellency HE Valovaya for his presence, encouragement and support of the UAE’s efforts.
As part of the event, the Supreme Council of Maternity and Childhood screened a short film titled ‘Children of the UAE’, dedicated to the achievements of Emirati children. In addition, the committee invited 14-year-old Emirati chef Aysha Al Obeidli to participate in the event, she created a unique “Emirati-style popcorn” Loumi iced tea (dry lemon iced tea) and Karak for the film screening. In addition, the UAE Children’s Parliament Members Salama Al Teneiji and Abdulla Al Ali, together with Ghaya Al Ahbabi, the youngest UNICEF COP28 Ambassador, and Shahad Al Subousi, Chairman of the Children’s Advisory Council, shed light on the UAE’s support for children’s rights.
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