Convening
Exploring the UAE as a Platform for the Future: Building Consensus Through the Experiential
Dr. Noah Raford and Ambassador Stuart Holliday discuss the Museum of the Future. Photo by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC. On Tuesday, April 30, 2019, Meridian International Center and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, D.C., opened a window to the future and the myriad ways the UAE is becoming the center for innovation and culture through a series discussion followed by a lunch reception.
Museum professionals and technology aficionados from across D.C. came together to learn about the ability of the 21 st Century and how we can successfully navigate the transition from the 20 th Century into the future. The event’s discussion included a presentation by Dr. Noah Raford, Chief of Global Affairs and Futurist in Chief at the Dubai Future Foundation and Museum of the Future, followed by a conversation with Ambassador Stuart Holliday, President and CEO of Meridian International Center.
Dana Al Marashi, Head of Cultural Diplomacy at the UAE Embassy in D.C., introduced the two speakers inviting guests to step into Dr. Raford’s concept for the Museum of the Future. “The UAE is small enough to get this done, big enough to matter” said Dr. Raford, “and has the political will to get it done.” The Museum of Future prototypes a better world and fosters innovation, while honoring the legacy of early 21st century norms.
There is tremendous anxiety, fear, and irreversible change happening in the world surrounding climate change, artificial intelligence, and automation. The Museum of the Future, states Dr. Raford, utilizes the best of today’s advances to educate the next generations in tangible and experimental ways. Dr. Raford highlighted the museum as an example of how the experiential is a powerful tool for generating consensus among a diverse set of stakeholders.
The Museum of the Future prompts conversations about the future that the people want. It generates demand for futures, creating markets and communities that reflect the changing universal social and technological climate. After the discussion, guests enjoyed dishes prepared by the Embassy. Dr. Noah Raford speaks to the audience about the power of the experiential found at the Museum of the Future. Photo by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC.
Dr. Noah Raford, Futurist in Chief for the Museum of the Future, explains the many challenges society is facing today and tomorrow. Photo by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC. Dana Al Marashi, Head of Cultural Diplomacy at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC, welcomes the audience to the embassy. Photo by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC. Dana Al Marashi, Head of Cultural Diplomacy at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC, welcomes the audience to the embassy.
Photo by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC. Puru Trivedi, Managing Director of Corporate Relations, Meridian International Center, stands with Dana Al Marashi, Head of Cultural Diplomacy, Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC, and Mark Erdly, Studio Director, Gensler. Photo by Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC. Dr. Raford speaks with an audience member after the presentation.
Photo by Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC. Arif Khan, Vice President of Marketing for SingularityNet, asks Dr. Raford a question about automation, robotics, and humanity. Photo by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC. Audience member, Arthur Daemmrich, Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Director of the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation at the Smithsonian Institution, poses a question to the speakers.
Ambassador Stuart Holliday continues the conversation on how the UAE is a platform for the future. Photo by the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC. Ambassador Stuart Holliday asks Dr. Raford to elaborate on how the Museum of the Future engages the government. Photo by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC. Dr. Noah Raford and Ambassador Stuart Holliday take questions from the audience. Photo by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC.
Jan Du Plain, President of Du Plain Global Enterprises, Inc, glances over the program before the start of the event. Photo by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC. Sponsor Project summary Exploring the UAE as a Platform for the Future: Building Consensus Through the Experiential | April 2019 Number of Attendees: 70 Regions: Near East and North Africa Countries: United Arab Emirates Impact Areas: Sports and Cultural Diplomacy , Science and Technology Program Areas: Sports and Culture Partners: Diplomatic Corps .