Rwanda has highlighted how culture can promote unity, reconciliation, youth development and nation-building.
The message was delivered by Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima, Minister of Youth and Arts Development, during the opening of the seventh World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku, Azerbaijan. The conference was officially opened by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
Speaking during a ministerial session, Utumatwishima said Rwanda’s history had taught its people that culture is more than a marker of identity, as it can also serve as a source of healing, unity and hope.
“Our history has taught us something else: culture is not just a marker of identity. It is a source of healing, unity and hope,” he said.
The minister also called for greater efforts to enable young people to participate in artificial intelligence (AI) and technological innovation.
He noted that these technologies could help preserve cultural heritage, promote African stories and expand economic opportunities in the creative industries and other fields of artistic expression.
Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners to promote culture as a bridge between people, creativity as a source of opportunity, and intercultural dialogue as a pathway to peace.
