Executive Secretary Bader AlDafa delivered a lecture on the "Cultural Perspective in Development," at Al Assad Library in Damascus, Syria, on 5 May 2010. The lecture was part of the "Tarim Cultural Wednesdays" organized by the Tarim Centre for Architecture and Heritage.
AlDafa stressed in the lecture that culture is a cornerstone of human, economic and social development; and that it was even the backbone of human development and the basis for all aspects of development.
The Executive Secretary outlined the role of culture in strengthening complete development and in its success, adding that development can not reach its national and human goals without the support of a culture based on personal initiatives, public convictions, personal awareness, volunteer work and responsibility towards the nation and the society. He argued that cultural development is not a detached element, but rather an integral part of the civilization project for complete development. "There is a natural tie between all cultural, social, economic and political aspects," he said.
AlDafa shed light on the present status of the Arab region, whose civilization was instrumental in the expansion and development of human civilization through the many inventions, and numerous cultural, social and human contributions. This civilization, and notably in its golden years, had significant influence on all cultures and civilizations of the world. He also noted the need to promote technological advancements in ICT, conduct dialogues with other cultures and open up to them. These would help in strengthening Arab identity, preserving its civilizational worth, establishing cultural development policies, and safeguarding Arab culture in the era of economic and cultural globalization by protecting cultural heritage and monuments.
The lecture was attended by prominent Syrian personalities, including Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdullah Al Dardari, Minister of Information Mohsen Bilal, Minister of Economy and Trade Lamia Assi, and Political and media advisor for the President Butheina Chaaban. Tarim Centre for Architecture and Heritage is a Damascus-based non-governmental institution that was established by engineer Rim Abdul Ghani in January 2004. It deals with heritage and architecture issues in the Arab region, and one of its activities is the organization of lectures sponsored by the Syrian Ministry of Culture. These lectures revolve around Arab culture, architecture, and heritage.
