Page 22 - AHATA

A14 LOCAL
Thursday 12 sepTember 2019

Heritage, an enabler of

Sustainable Development

Continued from Page 13

The SGD framework for the 2030 Agenda, in spite of
all the references to culture, has not adequately rec-
ognized culture’s significant contribution to the imple-
mentation of the 17 SDGs. The precise role and impact
of culture on sustainable development needs to be
systematically researched, measured, and operation-
alized in order for societies that developing countries
can get ahead of the challenges. As the implementa-
tion of the SDGs moves forward, further work is neces-
sary to build a systematic and measurable evidence
base to demonstrate each of the contributions of cul-
ture to sustainable development in all sectors. The in-
clusion of culture in policy remains imperative for our
society, even though it is being disregarded and un-
derestimated by government officials, the private sec-
tor and community. The time has come (a long time
ago actually) that Aruba solidifies its future steps and
make sure implementation is carried out effectively
and evaluated consistently. Now is the time for action,
before it is too late.q

Biography – Currently, Thaïs Franken is a 23-year-old Aruban student at the University of Maastricht (UM).
She is studying a Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development in collaboration with the
Unites Nations University (UNU). Back home, on the beautiful island of Aruba she completed her Bachelor
of Arts in Organization, Governance & Management (OGM) at the University of Aruba (UA). She success-
fully graduated and defended her thesis titled “Placing Culture and Creativity at the Heart of the Aruban
Sustainable Development” on July 6th 2018. Thaïs is very passionate about topics such as sustainability,
innovation, culture and creativity. Next to her academic interests, she enjoys reading, writing, dancing
and cooking.

Aruba to Me

ORANJESTAD – We would like Have a look at Monica Albisu. She has been coming to the island for 30 The first time I came to the
to portrait you! By inviting you consecutive years and has been honored as a Goodwill Ambassador. Island was on a cruise ship. I
to send us your favorite va- fell in love immediately and
cation picture while enjoying She wrote: since then I have been com-
our Happy Island. Complete ing every year. I remember
the sentence: Aruba to me is “Aruba to me is….. Paradise! when I came for the first time
……. Send your picture with the Concord Hotel stood out
that text (including your name at the coast. Later Aruba
and where you are from) to: was inhabited and filled with
news@arubatoday.com and beautiful hotels. Aruba knew
we will publish your vacation first class businesses and had
memory. Isn’t that a special a different community com-
way to keep your best mo- pared to rest of the Carib-
ments alive? Please do note: bean.
By submitting photos, text I saw Aruba grew gradually
or any other materials, you with happiness. I am a plastic
give permission to the Aruba art-painting artist and I had
Today Newspaper, Carib- the opportunity to showcase
bean Speed Printers and any my work at the Westin Hotel
of its affiliated companies to and at Costa Linda Beach Re-
use said materials, as well as sort.
names, likeness, etc. for pro- I enjoy every single thing
motional purposes without about this island. Specially the
compensation. weather and its people. I am
fully satisfied and happy each
Last but not least: check out time that I arrive and stay in
our website and Facebook this beautiful place. That is
page! Thank you for support- why this year for the first time
ing our free newspaper, we I had the pleasure of bringing
strive to make you a happy my grandchildren to enjoy this
reader every day again. beautiful paradise, ARUBA!q