08/03/2008

MBI Al Jaber Foundation Confirms Support for Connecting Cultures

The MBI Al Jaber Foundation has supported the Connecting Cultures programme each year since its establishment in 2004. This year, to celebrate the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, Connecting Cultures hosted 36 young people from Europe and the Arab world to undertake one of two journeys to Oman in the Sharqiya Sands and Jebel Akhdar. Previous support was granted for the Connecting Cultures Arctic expedition and the Desert Safari in 2007.

Connecting Cultures was formally endorsed by the Director General of UNESCO, Koichiro Matsuura, this year, and, selected as a flagship venture, was invited to make a presentation at the inaugural UN Alliance of Civilisations Forum in Madrid in January 2008.

The educational initiatives promoted by Connecting Cultures are unique and foster face-to-face dialogue with young people from the western and Arab worlds via journeys into the wilderness. The aim of this dialogue is to celebrate cultural diversity, break down stereotypes, identify shared values and, in so doing, promote understanding and help reduce the polarisation of cultures.

For further information, please contact:
Director of Public Relations
[email protected]