Egypt's soft power is important not only for the country's identity, but also to encourage a serious discussion among Arabs on religious discourse. It can support a culture that discourages hate speech and promotes the co-existence of all peoples. While this effort must be led by our political leaders, scholars, entertainers and cultural influencers can contribute to this dialogue. 

An awarding ceremony was held in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday to recognise individuals who work or have previously worked in government positions to promote dialogue and understand between different cultures and people. The winners included Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Madeline Albright, former US secretary of state; and Dr Zaki Anwar Nussaibah, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Cultural Advisor at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.

Expo 2020 Dubai will be an outstanding opportunity to witness first-hand the cultural exchange and understanding between the UAE and the world, panellists said at the second day of the Culture Summit 2017 in Abu Dhabi. During the Expo 2020 Dubai Preview panel discussion, representatives from Expo2020 discussed Expo’s plans to deliver a platform to celebrate the exchange of cultures from around the world.

Art is not a luxury, not an adornment of civilization. It is a necessity. It is one of the central purposes of civilization. Artists lead in ways politicians, chief executives, or generals cannot. They enable us to explore the mysterious - deep within us and all around us. They find the universal within the quotidian and in what has never before been imagined - the links that bind us to one another in the most profound ways.

Qatari-Ethiopian relations will begin a new phase of co-operation and co-ordination based on the common desire of the two friendly countries to establish a solid ground for stronger future prospects. The future of relations between Doha and Addis Ababa represents an integral model due to the advantages that both countries enjoy for the interests of the two countries’ people.

Celebrating 70 years of Nepal-US friendship, a Cultural Mela was held at the Staff College in the Capital on Saturday. [...] Speaking to the Post, Cultural Affairs Officer of US embassy, William Holton, said, "Nepal and the US share a very good bilateral relationship. We have been helping each [other] in various ways through the decades and this event honours that special friendship." 

In the meeting, also attended by deputy culture ministers of Iran and Slovokia, Salehi Amiri said agreement to hold cultural week, active participation in art and book fairs, cinematic cooperation and cultural diplomacy are among the provisions of the MoU signed between the two countries.

Pakistan and Indonesia have been working closely to promote cultural as well as economic ties. After successfully launching ‘food diplomacy’, now both the countries will arrange ‘Islamic Fashion Show’ soon.