The Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage, Adam Naseer Ibrahim, departed for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday, where he will represent Maldives as Guest of Honour at a forum dedicated to showcasing diverse global cultures.
The Minister is attending the 25th silver jubilee of the Sharjah International Narrator's Forum, an event organized by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage in the UAE. The forum is scheduled to run from Monday through Friday.
This five-day edition will bring together over 120 storytellers from 37 countries, fostering a rich exchange of narratives and traditions.
The Ministry of Culture stated that the forum's objectives, held under the slogan ‘Tales of the travellers’, include presenting the history, culture, and customs of various nations to an international audience, alongside promoting the talents of artists.
The ministry further announced that the forum will feature the presentation of Maldivian cultural heritage and maritime traditions through the contributions of scholars and artists.
Tales of the Travelers Award: Sharjah International Narrator Forum celebrates silver jubilee with Maldives as the Guest of Honour. (Photo/WAM)
Accompanying the Minister on this significant visit will be "a person of the caliber recognized as a 'national treasure' who has done unparalleled work in terms of experience and skills to preserve and protect Maldives' cultural heritage," according to the ministry.
Additionally, the ministry confirmed that the delegation will include an individual who has conducted scientific research and published findings in the field, with the noble aim of reviving the cultural heritage of the Maldives. Artists slated to deliver presentations on Maldivian culture will also be part of the delegation. However, the ministry did not disclose the identities of these accompanying members.
According to the Ministry of Culture, all expenses for the Maldivian delegation will be covered by Sharjah.
Over the past 25 years, the Sharjah International Narrator Forum has solidified its reputation as a global platform for memory, storytelling, and heritage preservation, creating meaningful opportunities for exchange and reaffirming the profound power of storytelling to connect the past, present, and future.