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7/29/25, 4:26 PM Shaikha Al Nowais meets with President of Congo to explore future partnerships in culture, tourism, and sustainable development
Shaikha Al Nowais meets with President of Congo

to explore future partnerships in culture, tourism,

and sustainable development

‘Musical Villages Across Continents’ initiative, set to officially launch in 2026, to

establish creative community centers in Africa and Latin America

July 28, 2025

H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General-elect of UN Tourism for the 2026–2029 term, with H.E. Félix Tshisekedi,
President of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Image Courtesy: Supplied

In a dynamic step toward global cultural collaboration, H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-

General-elect of UN Tourism (2026–2029), met with H.E. Félix Tshisekedi, President of the
Democratic Republic of Congo. Their high-level discussion ignited fresh momentum for joint
initiatives in culture, tourism, and sustainable development. With a shared vision, both leaders
explored bold opportunities to elevate the DRC as Africa’s next powerhouse in cultural and tourism
excellence.

Her Excellency also held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Yolande Elebe Ma Ndembo, Congolese
Minister of Culture, Arts, and Heritage, during which both sides explored prospects for collaboration

aimed at enhancing cultural infrastructure and developing public policies to safeguard intellectual
property and promote the rights of artists. The meeting underscored the vital role of culture and
tourism in rebuilding national identity and empowering local communities, highlighting the need for
inclusive and forward-looking policies in both sectors.

World Music and Tourism Festival

The meetings took place on the sidelines of H.E. Shaikha Al Nowais’s participation in the inaugural
edition of the World Music and Tourism Festival, organised by the Congolese Ministry of Tourism in
collaboration with the UN Tourism in Kinshasa. The Festival’s aim is to support sustainable cultural
and tourism policies and highlight the role of music and the arts in promoting intercultural dialogue

through diverse tourism and cultural activities.

Held under the theme “The Rumba Route for Peace,” the Festival brought together prominent
cultural leaders and tourism policymakers from around the globe, along with African artists and
creative institutions. It featured live musical performances, high-level institutional dialogues, and
field visits, serving as an unprecedented international platform that blends culture, tourism, and
community development.

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