“We always endeavor to promote and profile Africa’s arts, culture and heritage specifically the Great Museum of Africa (GMA) and the Creative Economy of the continent. Continuosly exploring how to strategically share key messages related to the protection, promotion and preservation of Africa’s rich cultural and natural heritage which is key to our development” These were the remarks of the Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Her Excellency, Cessouma Minata Samaté during the Spotlight On Africa Event Focusing on Culture and the Creative Economy.
The gathering forms part of the African Union’s (AU) at Expo 2020 Dubai strategic events, driving focus by way showcasing and popularising activities of the Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development; which is entrusted to champion, amongst other key projects, the GMA.
Commissioner Samaté pointed out that this year was a landmark year for the GMA.“We are launching the temporary site of the GMA which will serve as a focal point institution of the GMA and implement activities of the Museum before the permanent site is built and operational,”
“A sign of greater things to come as we look to continue this journey with us and promote this important sector further, to ensure it contributes to the implementation and aspirations of the AU Agenda 2063 in including its 5thAspiration, which specifically focuses on arts, culture and our heritage” concluded HE Samaté.
The African Union has key contiental policy instruments that are put in place to ensure the promotion and development of this sector, across the continent. Providing support to Member States in their endeavour to uplift the sector.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, AU Head of Culture Division, Mme Angela Martins remarked that, “The significant contribution of arts, culture and heritage sector to the integration of the continent, to the socio-economic development and poverty alleviation through job creation and social inclusion has been undoubtedly evident,”
Mme Martins went on to say: “The decline by the AU Assembly of the theme of the year for 2021 on arts, culture and heritage proved to us all, the strong commitment of the AU leadership to the development and promotion of this important sector. A commitment we continue to enjoy as a department as we endeavor to successfully implement all our programmes”.
Host pavilion, Algeria were represented by the nation’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency, Khemissi Arif whi highlighted that the days activities were another show of unity in the pursuit of exhibiting on the grandest stage, Africa’s rich history, culture and stories.
‘Today is testament to the strength of collective intelligence to the desire to make humanity walk together in the beauty of the creativity of our dear continent’ remarked Ambassador Arif.
The event was also attended by Madam Nawel Dahmani, Chairperson of the Technical and Advisory Committee of the Great Museum of Africa, who submitted her presentation on the preparedness of the project as well as detailing the next steps in the timeline of the project.
“We are nearing the goaline and the coorperation of the Algerian people and their government has been tremendous in the success of the project this far. We have hope that we can realise this within the set time frames and begin to take ownership of our history as we make more history for the future, today” remarked Mme Dahmani.
The public, media and all other interested parties can keep up-to-date with the latest out of Dubai as well as get all the necessary information surrounding the AU activities or events by visiting the official AU at Expo 2020.
