A new initiative to promote international cultural understanding through the power of books and words has been launched by OPCD and the Emirates Literature Foundation.
Called ‘Literary Conversations Across Borders’, the project will use a digital platform to host Emirati writers and commentators in live discussions with high profile experts from around the world on a variety of critical topics.
Isobel Abulhoul, CEO and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation said: “We originally planned ‘Literary Conversations Across Borders’ as a travelling project, taking Emirati authors and experts to book fairs and literary festivals throughout the world. World events have conspired to make that not possible at the moment, however we have grasped the initiative and re-designed it and think in many ways this may have more impact, with discussion being taken into the heart of people’s homes. It is a wonderful way to showcase the talent and expert opinion we have here in the UAE, and to give Emiratis a voice on the world stage.”
HE Zaki Nusseibeh said that this would be a ground-breaking project for the UAE: “Having these conversations across cultures strengthens our bonds and brings greater appreciation of the topics that affect us in the world today, no matter where we live. This project provides a platform for Emiratis to be part of the international discussions that are happening at the moment and shows that the UAE is an open, forward thinking nation, eager to engage with other countries and cultures. Two-way dialogue will foster understanding, helping to break down stereotypes and a recognition of the common concerns, joys and sorrows that affect us all, no matter who we are.”
Saturday 30 May 2020 – The Year 2020
The intellectual, writer and Indian politician Shashi Tharoor and His Excellency Zaki Nusseibeh Minister of State will debate how the events of 2020 will change the course of history, for better or worse.
Read more and replay the video here.
Saturday 6 June 2020 – Sustainability
The world’s best-known scientist and environmentalist Dr Jane Goodall in conversation with the UAE Minister of State for Food Security, Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Al Mehairi.
Read more and replay the video here.
Saturday 13 June 2020 – Is Science the new Religion?
His Excellency Omar Ghobash Assistant Minister, Office of Cultural Diplomacy in the UAE and Lesly Hazleton, award-winning journalist and author of The First Muslim for this frank and illuminating discussion.
Read more and replay the video here.
Saturday 20 June 2020 – Emotional Rescue – Poetry, a powerful panacea for the pandemic
Expect spine-tingling performances from the exceptional trio, Lemn Sissay, Dr. Afra Atiq and Carlos Andrés Gómez.
Read more and replay the video here.
Thursday 2 July 2020 – Reporting the Stories in Changed, Strange Times
Christina Lamb, award winning journalist from The Sunday Times and political commentator Sultan Al Qassemi discuss reporting stories in these changed, strange times.
Read more and replay the video here.
Saturday 11 July 2020 – The Hope Probe Mission to Mars
On the occasion of the imminent Hope Probe mission to Mars, HE Zaki Nusseibeh, Minister of State joined Dr. Farouk El-Baz, NASA space scientist and geologist for an online discussion moderated by Salem AlMarri.
Read more and replay the video here.
Saturday 18 July 2020 – Legend, Myth and History – Where can we draw a line?
Ms Isobel Abulhoul, CEO & Trustee, Emirates Literature Foundation hosts a discussion with Bettany Hughes, Historian and Author and Peter Hellyer, Writer, Historian and Environmentalist.
Read more and replay the video here.
Saturday 25 July 2020 – Legend, Myth and History – Where can we draw a line?
H.E. Omar Saif Ghobash, Assistant Minister for Public and Cultural Diplomacy, H.E. Noura Al Kaabi, and Isobel Abulhoul, CEO & Trustee, Emirates Literature Foundation in conversation to discover the literary influences that shaped their lives.
Read more and replay the video here.
