In the presence of Latifa bint Mohammed .. Under the slogan "A story can change the world"

Expo Cultures.. Launching “Preserving Dignity in Storytelling”

• The UAE offers exceptional insights while maintaining the concept of respect around the world.

  Emirates today

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More than 25 distinguished speakers gathered at the Preserving Dignity in Storytelling Forum to endorse the importance of storytelling with deep respect, full transparency, and social responsibility, embodying the UAE’s commitment to lead a new global movement that aims to redefine the practice of storytelling, specifically in contexts humanitarian and development.

The forum was opened in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority "Dubai Culture".

The event aims to mobilize solidarity around global challenges, and highlight areas of common interest at the local, national and international levels through storytelling.

The forum, which was held at the Dubai Exhibition Center at the site of Expo 2020 Dubai, and attracted more than 700 participants (personal and virtual attendance), witnessed the launch of the "Guide to Preserving Dignity in Storytelling", which provides guidance on how to implement the ten principles of dignity. in storytelling, accompanied by a series of stories that illustrate the principles in action.

Participants were invited to pledge their commitment to the initiative as a key advocacy tool aimed at giving impetus to the initiative by expanding the network of supporters and practitioners.

The pledge aims to inspire organizations and individuals to commit to positive social change by paying attention to the style and context of the stories they share.

Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, said that the UAE is proud to be a role model in recognizing and elevating outstanding voices from around the world, and providing new and exceptional visions to a global audience, while maintaining The basic concept of respect around the world, responsible freedom. CEO and Vice Chairman of Dubai Cares, Dr. Tariq Mohammed Al Gurg, emphasized honesty in storytelling. He said: “If storytelling is not handled with precision and care, it may risk exposing its contributors to psychological and physical danger, as well as restricting their rights, and this will eventually lead to the creation of unfair systems. Today, at the Preserving Dignity in Storytelling Initiative Forum, the UAE proudly presents to the world the Dignity in Storytelling Guide, which will not only encourage storytellers, but also the individuals whose stories are told, through specific guidelines on how best to share stories.”

He called on participants in this field to "always remember that a story can really change the world, so let's change the world by changing the way we tell our stories."

The initiative aims to encourage organizations and storytellers to use the guide through their awareness efforts, in addition to launching the coalition's participation strategy, which will provide the initiative's members with the opportunity to promote awareness through events and workshops.

The initiative also seeks to provide training courses in person or online on the implementation of the ten principles of the initiative, and to organize five additional events focusing on the initiative as part of the Human and Planet Earth program at Expo 2020 Dubai.

• The forum highlights areas of common interest through storytelling.