CAIRO: The Arab League has underlined the significant historical role of museums in the domains of culture, education, and sustainable development, regarding them as people’s living memory that links the present to the past. The remark was given by Assistant Secretary-General of the Cairo-based bloc, Ambassador Haifaa Abu Ghazala, in a press statement, marking International Museum Day (IMD), which falls on May 18.
She said that the museums reflect the civilization and history of previous generations for the sake of subsequent ones, given that they are impressive civilizations and cultural interfaces for their countries. The museums are now playing a great role in disseminating culture and contributing to the educational system and sustainable development on the basis that they are important cultural beacons, she added. Every year since 1977, the world marks International Museum Day (IMD), which represents a unique moment for the international museum community.
The objective is to raise awareness about the fact that museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures, and development of mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among peoples. The IMD was celebrated for the first time 40 years ago. All around the world, more and more museums participate in IMD. Last year, more than 37,000 museums participated in the event in about 158 countries and territories. This year’s theme, "Museums for Education and Research,” underscores the pivotal role of cultural institutions in providing a holistic educational experience.
International Museum Day
Meanwhile, Kuwait’s museums celebrated on Saturday International Museum Day by organizing different kinds of activities under the theme "Museums for Education and Research.” The celebration of Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyah at the American Cultural Center included drawing, photography, and education activities as well as artistic workshops, in addition to storytelling for children and organizing tours to help parents discover their children’s innovative skills.
Additionally, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Center’s celebration included a series of distinguished programs aiming to enhance the role of museums and cultural centers in the educational and cultural process. The festival involved some other activities, including interactive workshops and panel discussions with experts and academics in the areas of education, museums, and scientific research. Furthermore, the center had a presentation on the role of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the 11th ruler and founder of modern Kuwait, in the cultural and educational renaissance.
The show highlighted the phases of the cultural and educational movement in the country and the key role of museums in disseminating culture and science. The center further presents interactive and interesting workshops for families and topics about the developed role of museums in backing official educational and innovative approaches, as well as the future of preserving cultural heritage. Every year since 1977, the world marks the IMD, which represents a unique moment for the international museum community.
The objective is to raise awareness about the fact that museums are a key means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures, and development of mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among peoples. The world marked the IMD for the first time 40 years ago, and more museums participate across the globe. Last year, more than 37,000 museums took part in the event in about 158 countries and territories. This year’s theme, "Museums for Education and Research,” underscores the pivotal role of cultural institutions in providing a holistic educational experience. — KUNA