HE Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development. Supplied
Partaking in the final episode of ‘Literary Conversations Across Borders,’ a virtual project featuring live discussions with high profile experts, HE Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, alongside Omar Saif Ghobash, Assistant Minister for Culture and Public Diplomacy will reveal their literary influences. Titled ‘The Power of Books,’ the final segment will draw the eight-series program to a close, after having hosted discussions with the likes of English anthropologist Jane Goodall, Indian politician and writer Shashi Tharoor, and UAE Minister of State, Zaki Nusseibeh.
Accompanied by the chief executive and trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation, Isobel Abulhoul, Al Kaabi, and Ghobash will delve into the books that have shaped their lives, careers, and identities. Available for streaming via the foundation’s digital platform, the session will be live-streamed on July 22 at 7.30 pm UAE time. Conducted in English with simultaneous Arabic translation available, it is expected to garner a global audience, with previous sessions having reached more than 8,000 people in over 63 countries. Speaking to the impressive reach of the project, Minister of State, Zaki Nusseibeh, a previous panelist on the program said there has been “a far greater impact than we had originally anticipated.” “Discussions have ranged from the pandemic’s effect on our future, in terms of world politics, sustainability, and food security, to lively discussions on religion versus science and the changing face of journalism,” he said.
Launched by the Emirates Literature Foundation, ‘Literary Conversations Across Borders’ is an initiative centered around the power of books. In a bid to contribute to a global discourse surrounding literary prowess, the initiative, in cooperation with the UAE Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy, has used digital platforms to engage Emirati writers and commentators in a wide range of discussions regarding timely topics of politics, society, and culture. Comprising a total of eight sessions in the first series, each session is free to stream, following an initial pre-registration. Afterwhich, viewers can access content via the Foundation’s YouTube channel.
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