Culture plays a pivotal role in shaping humanity’s future by reinforcing social cohesion, advancing sustainable development and encouraging dialogue between nations, global leaders said at a session during the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai.

The session, titled “What Role Does Culture Play in Shaping the Future of Humanity?”, brought together Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Culture. The discussion was moderated by CNN’s Becky Anderson.

Dr El-Enany referred to UNESCO’s founding mission after the Second World War, noting that education, science and culture remain central to the organisation’s efforts to prevent conflict and promote peace.

“While the world today faces new challenges, including natural disasters, technological transformations and the spread of hate speech, UNESCO’s mandate remains vital,” he said, adding that education, science and culture help bring people together.

He said UNESCO has taken on the responsibility of empowering younger generations with skills, knowledge and values from early childhood, and highlighted the United Nations’ formal recognition of culture in 2024 as a global public good — a milestone aimed at supporting sustainable development.

Dr El-Enany also acknowledged financial pressures facing international organisations. “We may have fewer resources, but we are trying to do it better with less,” he said, stressing that culture and diplomacy continue to be effective tools for building understanding and trust.

He further underscored the need to support young people in crisis and conflict zones, including Ukraine and the Middle East, to help them move “from trauma to trust” and ensure access to quality education. “I don’t want to lose this generation,” he said.

Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to cultural cooperation and the protection of global heritage, describing culture as a universal value and a shared international responsibility.

He highlighted the UAE’s role as the lead funder of the Mosul recovery project in Iraq, one of the world’s largest cultural restoration initiatives. “The Mosul project is about people,” he said, noting that more than 7,700 residents were trained through the initiative, with 2,700 directly supported by UAE funding, enabling many to find employment and contribute to the city’s recovery.

He added that restoring the city centre and engaging young people played a key role in rebuilding communities and encouraging residents to return.

Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi also stressed that culture cannot flourish without education, pointing to the importance of youth engagement and partnerships with international organisations. He described the UAE’s collaboration with UNESCO as a successful model and a blueprint for future cooperation, rooted in the country’s long-standing values of coexistence and tolerance.

Both speakers agreed that culture is not only fundamental to social cohesion but is also an increasingly important driver of economic development.