ADDIS ABABA – Ministry of Culture and Sports announced that the upcoming East African Art and Culture Festival would promote public diplomacy in the region through enhancing intercultural dialogues and shared understandings.
During her meeting with ambassadors from different East African countries held yesterday, Culture and Sports State Minister Nefisa Almehadi said that East Africa is a melting pot of ethnicities, languages and cultures, each contributing to the awakening of their common identity.
“Thus, the Festival not only highlights these diversities, but also paves the way for greater intercultural dialogues and understanding by strengthening ties between our people,” she noted.
She also called upon ambassadors to join hands in promoting the good causes of the Festival.
Djiboutian Deputy Ambassador to Ethiopia Musa Jame, who participated in the discussion told The Ethiopian Herald that leveraging social media and international partnerships is mandatory to promote the Festival globally.
“This can be done through collaborating with tourism sector and travel agencies to create package deals for international visitors,” he said.
Kenyan Embassy in Addis Ababa Representative, Osman Hajji for his part said that cultural showcases are essential for highlighting the unique artistic expression of each country by featuring diverse range of art forms- be it traditional music, dance or visual arts.
“We can attract broader audience and deepen appreciation for our culture,” Hajji said.
The festival is expected to take place in Addis Ababa from 23rd to 26th January 2025, under the theme of “Promoting Collaboration through Art and Culture.” Cultural exchanges, cultural showcases, art exhibitions, and conferences are expected to take place throughout the festival.
BY NAOL GIRMA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER 2024
