In today’s globalized world, languages and translation are of outmost importance in fostering intercultural dialogue and preserving cultural heritage beyond generations. Translation among different languages has enabled communication and idea exchange along the Silk Roads and played a crucial role in safeguarding people’s collective and individual identities. It builds bridges between cultures, traditions, and ways of life, but most importantly, it is the key to preserving knowledge and cultivating cultural exchange.
Recognizing the importance of intercultural literacy through translation and the Arabic language, UNESCO and the Permanent Delegation of the State of Qatar to UNESCO are organizing a meeting on “The Role of Translation in Intercultural Dialogue along the Silk Roads: Contribution of the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding” on May 13, 2024, in UNESCO Headquarters. The event will highlight ongoing efforts to promote linguistic diversity and cultural exchange while celebrating the significant contribution of the Sheikh Hamad Award since its inception in 2015.
Arabic, as one of the six official languages of the United Nations and a global language, is a beacon of culture, science, and knowledge. Its profound historical, cultural, and linguistic influences have shaped numerous languages. Recognizing its importance, UNESCO and the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding have joined forces to enhance knowledge production and dissemination in Arabic-speaking countries, safeguarding cultural history and promoting the exchange of ideas across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
With a shared vision to enhance intercultural literacy through the Arabic language and translation, UNESCO and the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding forged a significant partnership agreement in December 2023.
The cooperation encompasses three key areas:
1.Translation and Publication
2.Reinforcement of the Arabic Language for Social Cohesion
3.Promotion of Arabic Language Use and Translation in Artificial Intelligence
As the first step, this partnership supports translating UNESCO’s publications on the Silk Roads into Arabic. The Social and Human Sciences’ Silk Roads Programme is a valuable tool for understanding how cultures and societies interact and enrich each other. Shared legacies and plural identities, resulting from commercial, cultural, and scientific exchanges, have played a significant role in the development of modern societies and cultures.
The event will create a platform for meaningful dialogue, providing valuable insights into promoting linguistic diversity, cultural exchange, and collaboration. Experts will share their knowledge and experiences, contributing to a deeper understanding of the role of translation in bridging cultural divides. UNESCO and the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding seek to build on the momentum to catalyze further initiatives and drive meaningful progress to enhance cooperation in Arabic language and translation as effective tools in building cultural bridges among a variety of communities.
