Describe the main features of the measure/initiative:
The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) conducts training and educational programs and participates on panels and forums with the aim of raising cultural awareness and promoting the diversity of cultural expression. Between 2016 and 2019, its activities included:
• Events promoting diversity: The SMCCU has hosted events and participated as a community partner for events hosted by other entities, aimed at:
o Promoting innovation through diversity and empowering the younger generation
o Raising awareness about the history, culture and heritage of the UAE (UAE National Day celebrations at schools, universities and malls)
o Showcasing art by emerging Emirati artists and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions through workshops and events accessible to all visitors (Sikka Art Festival)
o Celebrating uniqueness and synergy of diverse cultures through food (Dubai Food Festival)
o Promoting understanding of the importance of global citizenship education (Schools and Childcare Show)
• Cultural awareness training: The SMCCU conducts tailored cultural awareness training for companies including Volvo and Emirates Airlines, among others. In addition to enhancing capacity to understand the local culture, the training programs aim to highlight the values of diversity and inclusion; and promoting a culture of diversity within the organizations. In like manner, SMCCU designed a cultural training program to familiarize teachers with the UAE culture and traditions and highlights the vital role of educators in promoting and nurturing values of global citizenship education in the UAE. Starting in 2017, the UAE Ministry of Education recognized the SMCCU as its official cultural trainer for all newly recruited teachers in public schools in the UAE. The SMCCU has also been training and licensing tour guides on topics such as cultural heritage and history, cultural dialogue, respect for diversity and cultural etiquette for the Department of Tourism and Commerce in Dubai.
• Sharing Learning at Conferences, Forums and Panels: The SMCCU has participated in a number of national, regional and international conferences, forums and panels, focusing on how to enact multiple cultural programs contributing to build tolerant communities (Conference on the Year of Tolerance), exploring cultural impact on entrepreneurship, culture of change and the respect for environment in the local culture as a global value (Middle East Retail Forum) as well as discussing best practices for different industries to focus on their cultural identity as a key entry point to successfully develop a global economy based on mutual respect and understanding (World CEO Forum). Further, the SMCCU was selected as the representative for the CSOs in the drafting and presentation of the UAE Policy Dialogue on the Global Citizenship Education for its contribution, through its educational programs for students, in the development of an understanding among youth of cultural, language and religious diversity and of how beliefs and values influence people’s views about those who are different. The Policy Dialogue was an initiative of the Regional Centre for Educational Planning and UNESCO.
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the measure/initiative?:
The SMCCU has successfully trained many teachers and professionals on cultural understanding and effectively participated in notable conferences.