ABU DHABI, 21st April, 2025 (WAM) -- Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, stated that the 22nd of April marks a significant occasion for all, as the world celebrates Earth Day.
"This annual observance is not merely a reminder of the importance of our planet and the need to preserve it, but a global call for collective action to ensure a sustainable future for humanity," he said.
"In the UAE, this day holds special meaning, grounded in our firm belief that our responsibility toward the planet is an integral part of our identity and national values."
He highlighted the UAE's growing emphasis on embedding environmental awareness across various sectors, particularly through the cultural and artistic fields. "At the Ministry of Culture, we are committed to harnessing the power of culture and the arts as a soft tool for positive impact - fostering environmental consciousness and encouraging sustainable practices through artistic expression and cultural engagement."
The Minister noted that the Ministry is undertaking a wide range of initiatives aimed at embedding environmental consciousness within cultural and artistic activities. "We support artists and creatives whose work addresses environmental and sustainability issues and encourage the production of cultural content that underscores the importance of preserving natural resources and biodiversity, especially among younger generations."
On the heritage front, he added that the Ministry places strong emphasis on preserving traditional sustainable practices passed down from ancestors-such as the use of natural materials in construction, artisanal crafts, and traditional water irrigation methods. "Reviving and passing on these practices is crucial, not only as a testament to our national and cultural identity but also as viable solutions for modern-day sustainability challenges."
He also highlighted the UAE National Pavilion's exceptional participation in the 18th International Architecture Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia through the exhibition "Wetland," curated by Emirati architect and researcher Azza Aboualam.
"This exhibition offers a profound exploration of the relationship between architecture and food production in arid climates, with a particular focus on the UAE as a living model," he said. "It presents an innovative vision blending tradition and modernity, drawing on our legacy of adaptation to desert environments and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to propose practical solutions to pressing challenges in food and water security."
The Minister noted that the exhibition offers alternatives to centralised technological solutions, advocating for community participation and accountability. It reflects on the UAE's food production landscape within a global context and explores local design approaches developed over time in response to food scarcity.
"This project aligns perfectly with the UAE's National Food Security Strategy, which aims to make the country one of the top-ranked globally in the Global Food Security Index by 2051," he added.
Sheikh Salem concluded, "The UAE's participation in the Venice Biennale was not merely a showcase of architectural creativity, but a clear message to the world - affirming our unwavering commitment to sustainability and food security. It reflects our efforts to embed environmental awareness across all aspects of cultural work and highlights the ability of UAE talent to craft innovative solutions rooted in our national heritage, leveraging arts, creativity, and innovation as powerful tools to advance sustainability, environmental stewardship, and food security."
