Global Experts Unite to Discuss AI's Role in Creativity at Culture Summit Abu Dhabi
Exploring Humanity in the Age of AI
The Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi is gearing up to host the seventh edition of the Culture Summit, a significant global forum that takes place from April 27 to 29, 2025, at Manarat Al Saadiyat. This year's theme, "Culture for Humanity and Beyond," invites diverse voices, including international thought leaders, artists, and policymakers, to explore the complex relationships between culture, technology, and governance.
The Culture Summit serves as a platform for attendees to engage in rich dialogues and workshops aimed at understanding how culture can drive meaningful change in our societies. It is a crucial event that emphasizes rethinking the human experience amidst rapid technological evolution.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, expressed pride in convening local and international partners to discuss the dynamic interplay of culture and technology. The summit positions itself as a catalyst for innovative thinking and cultural growth, inspired by the unique setting of the Saadiyat Cultural District.
Rita Aoun, Executive Director of the Culture Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, highlighted the importance of the event for shaping future cultural policies and industries. She emphasized the commitment to harnessing the power of culture as an agent for progress and understanding, ultimately fostering a flourishing cultural ecosystem in the region and beyond.
The three-day summit is packed with an array of sessions, including keynote addresses by prominent figures such as Mo Gawdat, the former Chief Business Officer at Google X, and Susan Buck-Morss, a distinguished philosopher. Additionally, the summit will feature discussions with creative visionaries like Thomas Heatherwick and Colleen Atwood, who will delve into the evolving landscape of creativity in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
One of the major focuses will be on AI's influence within the creative industries, featuring sessions like "AI Revolution: Redefining Creativity in the Age of Machines" and "The Double-Edged Sword of AI in Cinema." This exploration aims to assess how AI is changing cultural expressions and the implications for artists and creators.
A significant part of the summit will also address culture's role as a public good and the potential of cultural leaders to take action on critical global issues. Sessions will discuss topics like environmental stewardship through culture and policy initiatives that promote cultural exchange.
The opening day will encompass a vital panel discussion titled "Bridging the Cultural Gap: The Role of Culture in Shaping Global Governance." Prominent speakers, including former Prime ministers Jenny Shipley of New Zealand and Iveta Radičová of Slovakia, will discuss integrating cultural perspectives within global governance frameworks.
In its second iteration, the ‘MONDIACULT Ministerial Dialogue’ will continue to explore the impacts of AI on culture and how partnerships among over 10 ministers of culture can help foster a sustainable future.
A cultural policy session will focus on advancing the UNESCO framework for culture and arts education. This ongoing initiative seeks to redefine the importance of cultural education globally.
Participants can look forward to a rich diversity of events, including conversations on jazz with music legend Herbie Hancock and discussions on creative expression amidst social disruption. Visionary artists and designers will share their insights, further connecting the dots between creativity and humanity.
The global partners participating in the summit are an impressive roster that includes UNESCO, Google, The Economist Impact, and renowned cultural institutions around the world. Experts and cultural advocates will collectively explore the significance of cultural narratives in shaping our identities and future trajectories.
As this year's summit approaches, anticipation builds for vigorous discussions that will challenge existing paradigms and potentially pave the way for a more equitable cultural future. The Culture Summit Abu Dhabi is poised to reaffirm its position as a crucial event in the global cultural calendar, representing a confluence of ideas focused on what it means to be human as we navigate the complexities of an AI-driven world.