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Placing Human Dignity at the Heart of Storytelling
Tolerance and Inclusivity
Storytelling is a powerful tool that helps shape narratives and define cultures. It can help foster empathy and connection, serving as an important catalyst for promoting tolerance and inclusivity.
Tolerance and inclusivity are core pillars of Dignified Storytelling and its 10 Principles. Dignified Storytelling unites the voices of content makers, editors, journalists, photographers, filmmakers, storytellers, and contributors and equips them with the awareness and hands-on knowledge that will enable them to capture moments and tell stories without compromising human dignity.
This event was organised as a series of TED Talk like-presentations interspersed with short film screenings and a moderator-led panel discussion featuring individuals, each accomplished in their own field. The speakers linked the role of storytelling in promoting tolerance, inclusivity, and cross-cultural understanding.
Speakers of the Day
Moderated by the United Nations Resident Coordinator for the UAE, Dr. Dena Assaf, this session featured 11-year-old published author, Diaco Taaeb; Surinamese actor, writer and filmmaker, Ivan Tai-Apin; Friendship’s Founder and Executive Director, Runa Khan; and Disability Empowerment Consultant Fatma Al Jassim. In addition, excerpts of two films focused on tolerance and inclusivity were shared with the audience. The musical set by Hungarian singer Szilvia Agárdi was a rousing performance and proved that visual impairment is not in any way a hindrance to achieve one’s dreams and as a society we must ensure that every individual, irrespective of ability, gender, race or culture must be provided with equal opportunities.
Dr. Dena Assaf
United Nations Resident Coordinator for the UAE and Deputy Commissioner General for the United Nations
Fatima AL-Jassim
Person of determination advocate
Szilvia Agárdi
Hungarian Singer
Diaco Taeeb
11 year old published author
Mahmoud El Burai
Vice President of the International Real Estate Federation, FIABCI Arabic Countries
Ivan Tai-Apin
Surinamese actor, director, screenplay writer and producer.
Runa Khan
Founder & Executive Director at Friendship
Watch the full event
As a Dignified Storytelling Event at Expo 2020 Dubai, “Placing Human Dignity at the Heart of Storytelling” aimed to build awareness and understanding about development themes and the role of storytelling as a tool to communicate information, raise awareness, and induce change.