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Dignified Storytelling Forum
Date: Friday, 10 December 2021
Venue: Hall 1A North, Dubai Exhibition Centre (Expo 2020 Dubai)
Format: Hybrid (in-person and virtual)
Attendance: Open to the public. Free registration
Under the theme, “A Story can Change the World” and marking Human Rights Day, the Dignified Storytelling Forum brought together storytellers, members of civil society, organizations, governments, the private sector and international and regional agencies to discuss and agree on the importance of placing human dignity at the heart of storytelling, particularly within development and humanitarian contexts.
The Forum emphasized the importance of embedding dignified storytelling in policy and practice among individuals, organizations and countries. It also presented an opportunity to affirm the Dignified Storytelling Principles, committing to them through the Dignified Storytelling Pledge.
The Forum stood out as the most strategically important Dignified Storytelling event during Expo, attracting more than 700 in-person and virtual attendees who heard from more than 20 speakers on the overarching topic of adopting dignified storytelling approaches to help reshape the way stories are told around the world.
Forum Program
Main Program
14:00 – 18:00
H.E. Reem Al Hashimy
Minister of State for International Cooperation, Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai
H.E. Dr. Tariq Al Gurg
Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman, Dubai Cares
Rashid Al Falahi
Dignified Storyteller
Dignified Storytelling Poetry Performance
By Chief Moomen, Ghanaian Poet, Playwright and Creative Entrepreneur
OPENING PLENARY: DIGNIFIED STORYTELLING IN POLICY AND PRACTICE
Michael Kass, Founder of Story & Spirit drew upon the expertise of the panelists to recognise challenges faced by storytellers and explore how the Dignified Storytelling Principles help build strategies and overcome challenges through policy and practice.
MODERATOR
Michael Kass
Founder, Story & Spirit
PANELISTS
Maher Nasser
Commissioner General of the United Nations to Expo 2020 Dubai
Noella Musunka
Founder, Malaika
Issam Kazim
Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM)
Nassib Boueri
Chief Executive Officer, Wunderman Thompson MENA
Elisabetta Lattanzio Illy
Journalist and Photographer
(UNIDO Goodwill Ambassador)
PLENARY: SHOWCASING DIGNIFIED STORIES
This session showcased a series of “Spotlight Stories”, all calling on audience partners and stakeholders to commit to telling stories with dignity at their heart, whilst also encouraging all participants to submit their own experiences, stories and best practices to help enhance the value and diversity of the platform.
MODERATOR
Dr. Rebecca Swift
VP and Global Head of Creative Insights, Getty Images
PANELISTS
Rocco Blume
Head of Policy and Advocacy, WarChild UK
John Hecklinger
Chief Executive Officer, Global Fund for Children
Waleed Shah
Photographer
The story behind "Songs of Freedom"
Best photo of the year
by Michael Aboya, Visual Artist & Winner of the 2019 Agora Award
PLENARY: DIGNIFIED STORYTELLING WITH HISTORICALLY MARGINALISED COMMUNITIES
This session focused on Dignified Storytelling with historically marginalised communities by bringing together panelists representing different stakeholder groups including but not limited to refugees, children, People with Disabilities, and people impacted by sexual and gender-based violence.
MODERATOR
Nina Ford
Director of Communications & Marketing, Global Fund for Children
PANELISTS
Tracey Corbin-Matchett
CEO, Bus Stop Films
Joung-Ah Ghedini-Williams
Head of Global Communications, UNHCR
Closing Remarks
Valentina Castellani-Quinn
Award-Winning Film Producer, President and Chairman, Quinn Studios Entertainment
PRE-FORUM TECHNICAL SESSIONS
Engaging and interactive workshops, talks and discussions took place prior to the main Dignified Storytelling program on 10 December 2021.
The 45-minutes technical sessions were co-curated alongside key Dignified Storytelling Partners and ran between 10:00 and 13:00 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre.