Manal Ataya, the Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA), spoke virtually for the Albright Institute at Wellesley College in the United States about cultural diplomacy and the SMA’s role in promoting intercultural and interreligious engagement.
In her presentation titled “Soft power: what does art have to do with international diplomacy?” Ataya addressed students and fellows from a variety of academic fields. She emphasized the UAE’s extensive efforts to improve relations with nations around the world through cultural diplomacy, which helped the nation rank first regionally and tenth globally for the ‘influence’ indicator in the Global Soft Power Index (GSPI) 2022.
As part of a larger soft power plan to improve international ties, museums in the United Arab Emirates, notably in Sharjah, have functioned as the primary conduits for cultural diplomacy. Ataya stated that “art exhibitions, educational initiatives, panel debates, and publications are portals to improve people’s comprehension and appreciation of other cultures.”
Art serves as a mirror of mankind and a visual record of a nation’s social and political life, she continued, and it fosters tolerance and empathy in its viewers. Ataya emphasized the value of museum collections and their spaces as venues for exploring and showcasing the region’s extensive historical ties to other countries that may be traced back over many centuries.
“Museums in the United Arab Emirates are places for conversation, free debate, education, and research. They are public areas that foster understanding, enhance social cohesiveness, and generally promote healthy community interaction”, according to Ataya. She emphasized that empowering young people to develop a global mentality and serve as cultural ambassadors for their nations is another important function that museums do.
This year’s event brought together 40 Wellesley students from various departments and disciplines to discuss international issues under the theme “The Diplomat’s Toolbox: Making the World Safe for Democracy.” The Albright Institute for Global Affairs connects theory and practice for future world leaders and promotes the importance of interdisciplinary and different viewpoints in tackling global issues.