KUWAIT: The 47th Kuwait International Book Fair, held on Saturday, hosted a key session discussing the framework for Kuwait’s upcoming role as the “Capital of Arab Culture 2025.” The session, held at the Cultural Café in Hall 6 of the Kuwait International Fair in Mishref, featured speeches from Dr Mohammad Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL), and Dr Mohammad Ould Amar, Director-General of the Arab Organization for Education, Culture, and Science (ALECSO). The discussion was attended by a distinguished audience of cultural experts, artists, and enthusiasts.

In his address, Dr Al-Jassar outlined the significance of Kuwait’s designation as the Arab Capital of Culture for 2025, highlighting the role of NCCAL and the Ministry of Information in organizing a wide range of cultural events and activities. He emphasized the collaborative efforts to ensure a diverse program that reflects Kuwait’s cultural vision. “Culture is one of the core pillars that strengthens national identity and facilitates meaningful interactions with global cultures,” Dr Al-Jassar said. “The designation of Kuwait as the ‘Capital of Arab Culture 2025’ is a powerful opportunity to solidify Kuwait’s position as a leading cultural hub in the Arab world.” Dr Al-Jassar added that the celebration reflects Kuwait’s ongoing commitment to fostering creativity, tolerance, and cultural diversity. It also provides a platform to showcase the country’s achievements in the arts, while strengthening dialogue between nations through cultural exchange.

Year of events

NCCAL will partner with both governmental and private sectors, as well as civil society organizations, to orchestrate a variety of events throughout the year. These will include art exhibitions, literary festivals, music performances, and conferences aimed at exploring key cultural and artistic issues, with participation from influential thinkers and artists from across the Arab world.

The events’ key objectives include promoting Arab cultural identity, facilitating cultural interaction among Arab nations, and further strengthening Kuwait’s ties with the wider Arab world. It also aims to raise international awareness of Kuwaiti culture by highlighting its rich heritage in literature, fine arts, and intellectual pursuits.

Dr Al-Jassar also noted that the year-long celebration will feature joint exhibitions with other Arab countries, as well as theatrical and musical performances. Additionally, cultural exchange programs, workshops, and collaborative projects will help foster closer relationships between Kuwait and other Arab states. “The selection of Kuwait as the Arab Capital of Culture 2025 is a tribute to our cultural heritage and an open invitation for all to participate in a cultural journey that aims to promote peace and mutual understanding within the Arab world,” Dr Al-Jassar said.

Dr Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, expressed his enthusiasm about the celebration, calling it “one of the most important cultural events” in Kuwait. He commended the selection of Kuwait as the Arab Capital of Culture for 2025, noting that the country had previously held this title in 2001.

ALECSO selects an Arab city each year to hold the title of Capital of Arab Culture, with Jerusalem designated as the permanent cultural capital of the Arab world. Dr Ould Amar elaborated on ALECSO’s initiative, which celebrates cities that have a significant cultural impact and aims to transform these cities into vibrant cultural hubs, centered on people and fostering social inclusion.

The ALECSO director emphasized that the purpose of the Capital of Arab Culture program is to promote cultural innovation, sustainability, and the development of creative industries. Cities selected for the title must organize a variety of events and activities that promote cultural diversity, artistic expression, and human development. “The ultimate goal of the Capital of Arab Culture initiative is to enhance the civic and cultural standing of Arab cities, turning them into centers of cultural exchange and creative growth,” Dr Ould Amar concluded. — KUNA