Tokyo:Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, underscored the importance of investing in people and empowering creative communities during her participation at the World Cities Culture Summit in Tokyo. She addressed the role of culture in urban development and community strengthening.
According to Emirates News Agency, Badri participated in a discussion panel titled 'The Human City Is Culture the Infrastructure of the Future?' alongside Diya Vij, Commissioner for Culture, New York City, and Kazuyo Sejima, Principal and Co-Founder of Kazuyo Sejima and Associates. The session emphasized the significance of cultural impact beyond economic measures, focusing on social contributions and human connections.
Badri highlighted Dubai's initiatives, such as Mawaheb, an art studio for adults of determination, as successful models of cultural investment enhancing confidence and independence. She also discussed Dubai Culture's collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation to support creative sectors through practical initiatives like the Creative Sector Resilience Portfolio.
The insights from these exchanges are influencing the Dubai Cultural Strategy 2033, aiming to ensure the long-term sustainability of creative projects. Badri concluded by stressing that the future of cities lies in building connections and fostering a sense of belonging, not just infrastructure.
