Panova: 'Arts, Culture Come at Heart of Sustainable Development'

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt Elena Panova participated at the opening of the World Art Forum: International Contemporary Art Forum for Sustainable Development at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) on Saturday.

Panova said: "This forum is a unique and exclusive occasion, and I am truly impressed with the level of interest shown by all partners in the theme of art and development."

Next, she asserted the importance of arts in the process of UN Sustainable Development Goals: "Arts and culture come at the heart of the sustainable development. The SDGs – adopted in 2015 – referred for the first time to the important role of culture and its contribution to the sustainable development agenda."

"There are direct economic benefits of culture and arts to states and communities: art creates jobs, attracts investments, generates revenues, and stimulates local economies through tourism and consumer purchases."

Moreover, Panova elaborated more about the link between SDGs and arts, saying: "At this critical time in the history of humanity, when we are bounded by existential security, health, and climate threats, I call upon artists to continue being deeply engaged in promoting sustainable development both in form and content; to continue translating the SDGs in simple and powerful messages and bringing people together."

It is worthy to mention that the first edition of the World Art Forum (WAF): International Contemporary Art Forum for Sustainable Development kicked off on Saturday and for three days at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC).

It was organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Ministry of Planning, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Emigration, and the Ministry of Environment, in a partnership with the United Nations, and the New York International Contemporary Art Society.