Aruban artist and Cultural Ambassador Michael Lampe was invited to deliver the opening keynote address during an international dialogue at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris. The event was organized by Creative Commons.
The international gathering focused on open and equitable access to cultural heritage in the digital age. Experts, creators, archivists, and international cultural representatives convened to discuss the future of heritage within the context of digital landscapes and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In his address, Lampe emphasized the vital importance of culture, the Papiamento language, and collective memory for small island nations like Aruba. He highlighted the challenges faced in a world where digital systems and AI increasingly determine what remains visible to future generations.
“Papiamento does not automatically exist within digital systems,” Lampe stated. “If we do not actively integrate our own language, archives, and history into these platforms, we run the risk of being excluded from the world’s digital memory.”
Lampe also stressed the necessity of creating access through the digitalization of historical archives, ensuring that future generations can continue to discover and reconstruct their cultural identity.
Aruba’s participation in this high-level international dialogue confirms the island’s relevant voice in global conversations regarding heritage, technology, cultural diversity, and the digital future. This moment marks a significant step in increasing Aruban cultural visibility on the world stage.
Peter Scholing of the National Library of Aruba and Coleccion Aruba was also in attendance. Together with Lampe, he participated in several high-level meetings beneficial to the island.
“We are extremely pleased with the opening speech by Aruba’s Cultural Ambassador, Mr. Michael Lampe. He eloquently conveyed why open access to cultural heritage is of such paramount importance for Aruba,” said Brigitte Vézina, Director of Creative Commons.
