Abu Dhabi: The Culture Summit 2017, which will bring together leaders from the worlds of governments, arts and media, technology and policy, began in the capital today and will run until April 13.

The summit is due to welcome over 300 participants from more than 80 countries worldwide and has a packed schedule that includes honouring the event’s cultural diplomat award-winners.

The inaugural Culture Summit 2017 Cultural Diplomat Award Winners were selected on the basis of their contributions to the practice of cultural diplomacy, either as individuals or on behalf of their organisations. Each winner has both broadened and elevated the practice of using culture to promote international understanding, bridge differences and promote positive change worldwide.


The winners include: Madeleine Albright, former US Secretary of State, winner of the highest civilian award of the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in recognition for her active support of the importance of cultural diplomacy throughout her career as a diplomat and in particular during her tenure as US Secretary of State; El Sistema, creators of the El Sistema youth orchestra programme (represented by Eduardo Méndez, Executive Director, Simon Bolivar Music Foundation); Dr. Anwar Bin Mohammad Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Dr. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Cultural Advisor at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs; Sesame Workshop, producers of Sesame Street worldwide (represented by Sherrie Westin, executive vice president, Global Impact and Philanthropy); and The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, the legendary orchestra initiative (represented by Tabaré Perlas, CEO, West-Eastern Divan Orchestra).

The 2017 artists-in-residence were chosen by the Culture Summit organisers on the basis of lifelong achievement in the arts and established creative leadership in their fields. They include, Tan Dun, cComposer/conductor and Academy Award winner; Idris Khan, visual artist; and Liz Lerman, choreographer, MacArthur Award winner.

Culture Summit 2017 will also include featured participants, performances and installations by leading artists, and discussions and workshops from some of the most acclaimed thinkers and innovators in the arts, tech, the media, arts management, philanthropy, and public policy.

The programme will feature a line-up from a diverse background of individuals with unique insights and stories to tell. These include Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, Chairwoman, Media Zone Authority — Abu Dhabi and twofour54; Mohammad Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and Irina Bokova, Director-General, Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation).

For more information about CultureSummit 2017 visit culturesummitabudhabi.com.