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The 7th Culture Summit Abu Dhabi: A Deep Dive into AI and Humanity's Future

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the upcoming seventh edition of the highly anticipated Culture Summit, scheduled from April 27 to April 29, 2025, at Manarat Al Saadiyat. The summit, a premier global forum, aims to explore the connections between culture, technology, and global governance under the theme "Culture for Humanity and Beyond."

Bringing together influential thought leaders, policymakers, and renowned creatives, this year’s event promises to generate critical dialogues surrounding the collective rethinking of human emancipation and humanism. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, artist talks, and specially tailored workshops, participants will seek common ground for building a sustainable future amidst unprecedented technological changes.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, expressed pride in bringing together local and international partners from diverse fields such as culture, design, and technology. He emphasized the aim to advance discussions on the positive impact of culture on societal change, particularly within the Saadiyat Cultural District, while examining fresh perspectives on the power of creativity.

Rita Aoun, Executive Director of the Culture Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, noted that the summit serves as a platform uniting cultural figures and political leaders to engage in crucial discussions regarding future cultural policies and the creative economy. The summit’s theme reflects the DCT's mission to actively harness the power of culture to drive progress and foster understanding for future opportunities.

A Dynamic Program

The three-day event will feature an extensive array of activities. Keynote speakers include notable figures such as Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X, and philosophical experts like Susan Buck-Morss. Discussions will center on the transformative effects of AI across creative fields, inquiries into whether governments should regulate AI to protect creative industries, and the dual-edged sword of AI in film.

Panel sessions on the positive potential of culture will address crucial topics such as green initiatives among cultural leaders, the role of culture as a public good, and the use of cultural anticipation for a more shared global experience. One of the opening day’s highlight discussions will tackle the cultural bridge between communities and global governance.

Prominent speakers include former Prime Ministers and cultural ministers from around the world, focusing on strategies for integrating cultural dimensions into multilateral frameworks ahead of significant events like MONDIACULT 2025.

The second iteration of the MONDIACULT ministerial dialogue will also take place during the summit, concentrating on the effects of AI on culture and the future of creative expression.

Networking and Future Perspectives

The summit will enrich its program with creative conversations featuring acclaimed personalities such as jazz musician Herbie Hancock and contemporary designers. A diverse lineup of creative talks will allow participants to engage with the practices of notable artists and gain insight into visionary architecture, poetry, and design.

Global partnerships will add to the summit's relevance with organizations like UNESCO, The Economist Impact, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum involved. Each partner echoes sentiments on the crucial role of culture in navigating the technological landscape shaping our future.

Ernesto Ottone R., Deputy Director-General for Culture at UNESCO, highlighted the need to explore how technology alters humanity's age-old relationship with culture. Various leaders from the design and creative community stressed the significance of fostering innovations that exceed traditional boundaries, contributing to collective understanding and progress.

The Culture Summit Abu Dhabi acts as a significant annual platform, emphasizing the importance of cultural scholarship and creative advocacy in shaping societies and communities around the world. Through its vast array of discussions, keynote speeches, and collaborations, the event not only preserves the rich cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi but also promotes creativity and innovation for a more inclusive and sustainable global cultural future.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the summit, visit dct.gov.ae.