In the heart of Abu Dhabi, from October 29th to 31st, 2023, the world will bear witness to a unique Abu Dhabi gathering of brilliant minds, creative thinkers, and cultural enthusiasts at the Culture Summit. Among the distinguished participants, Stephen Rwagweri, a UNESCO culture expert and the visionary behind African Continental Crafts, is set to take the stage as the keynote speaker.

The sixth edition of the Culture Summit, meticulously organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, promises to transcend boundaries and cultures. This renowned annual convention is celebrated for its ability to curate a diverse selection of creative thinkers, artists, change-makers, and leaders from the realms of culture and the creative industries. Its foremost ambition is to explore the myriad ways culture can be a transformative force in societies and communities across the globe, translating innovative ideas into tangible actions and solutions.

In 2023, Culture Summit embarks on a new journey as it explores the theme “A Matter of Time.” This theme invites attendees to delve deep into the evolving relationship between culture and time, shedding light on how our shifting perception of time impacts the creation, reception, and consumption of culture. Culture, by its very nature, has always been intricately linked with time, preserving the past, interpreting the present, and envisioning the future. Against the backdrop of the world’s transition from the ‘mechanical time’ characteristic of our contemporary era to a ‘new cultural time’ harmonized with human awareness and the rhythms of nature, this exploration holds unprecedented relevance.

Stephen Rwagweri, an eminent UNESCO culture expert and the driving force behind African Continental Crafts, is uniquely poised to contribute to the summit’s thought-provoking discussions. His expertise bridges the gap between traditional crafts and contemporary cultural preservation, making him an invaluable asset in unraveling culture’s evolving role in our ever-changing perception of time.

The Culture Summit serves as a testament to the power of global collaboration. The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi joins hands with esteemed global partners, including UNESCO, Google, The Economist Impact, the Design Museum, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, and the Recording Academy, among others. Collectively, these organizations bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding across diverse cultures and disciplines.

Stephen’s participation in the Culture Summit 2023 adds a significant dimension to the global dialogue. Participants will have the unique opportunity to engage in meticulously curated panel discussions, captivating keynote presentations, enlightening case studies, vibrant creative conversations, captivating artist talks, and hands-on workshops. These sessions will serve as a fertile ground for dialogue and the exchange of ideas among leading professionals from a wide array of backgrounds, all converging on the intersection of culture and time.

The invitation extended to Stephen Rwagweri stands as a testament to his expertise and invaluable contributions to the field of culture and preservation. The organizers eagerly anticipate his profound insights and active participation in this edition of the Culture Summit.

Rwagweri’s presence at the Culture Summit 2023 underscores the significance of his work in preserving culture in a world undergoing rapid transformation. It is an invitation to partake in a global conversation on how culture can serve as a guiding beacon in navigating the intricate labyrinth of shifting sands of time. His contributions will undoubtedly enrich the summit, offering fresh perspectives on the indispensable role of culture in shaping our evolving understanding of time.

By Christopher Zziwa