Dubai:Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, in partnership with the World Cities Culture Forum, has introduced the Global Fellowship program, aiming to cultivate the next generation of cultural policymakers and civic leaders. This initiative seeks to enhance participants' ability to formulate cultural policies and projects tailored to their cities' needs, aligning with Dubai's vision to be a global cultural leader and innovator in the creative economy.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Global Fellowship was co-founded by Dubai Culture as part of the legacy of the 13th World Cities Culture Summit, which took place in Dubai in 2024. This summit, themed 'Tomorrow's Culture: How Will the Next Generation Shape Our World?', was the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa. The fellowship's academic program involves collaboration with the University of Oxford and the Aspen Institute, offering expertise in leadership, cultural policy, and city development.
The fellowship brings together 20 mid-career professionals, including five from Dubai Government entities. These include Hesham Al Olama, Afnan Abdulla, Mozah Lootah, Noora Bin Kalban, and Hessa Aljarwan, alongside 15 fellows selected through a competitive process representing different member cities from the World Cities Culture Forum network.
Over a six-month period, the fellows will participate in international learning sessions, mentorship, and peer exchanges, culminating in the development of a strategic cultural project for their city. The program will include sessions at the 15th World Cities Culture Summit in Tokyo and conclude with a residency in Dubai, supporting the emirate's cultural development strategy.
The fellowship also features contributions from global cultural leaders such as Justine Simons, Anne Hidalgo, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Gail Lord, and Ricky Burdett. The program aims to equip emerging leaders with the skills to strengthen culture's role in urban development and improve quality of life. Participants will engage in online masterclasses and residencies, concluding with project implementation in 2027. The initiative underscores the importance of culture in economic development and social cohesion, promoting international collaboration and innovative solutions for urban challenges.