Global Conversations

In today’s interdependent world, there are several forces at play that either increase understanding or become obstacles to it. Traditional politics and diplomacy are not the only factors involved in resolving conflicts and stabilising communities; technology, the fluidity of migration, increased economic interdependence and trans-national allegiances are all part of the process.

In response to this, Poju founded Global Conversations, a meeting place for business professionals and opinion leaders, enabling them to come together across confrontational borders. Global Conversations arranges open and closed events and aims to make a lasting contribution to more peaceful relations in the Middle East. Global Conversations aims to influence policy-making and encourage dialogue, initiate projects, integrate non-traditional players into the process, and demonstrate the mutually beneficial relationships that would be achieved through co-existence.

The Culture Initiative

Anita is an active supporter of the Culture Initiative, a UK-based organisation that promotes open dialogue and interaction between cultural leaders in the UK and those in Israel and Palestine.

Anita hosts visits to Israel and Palestine for international cultural figures. During these visits concerted efforts are made to offer a holistic view of the art scenes in the region. Over the years, the Culture Initiative have visited the Museum for Islamic Art, the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, the Israel Museum, The Khalil Sakakini Tultural Centre in Ramallah, and other significant locations. During these trips the group meet and learn from groups of Israeli and Palestinian art and design students; arts professionals from the region, such as Nadim Sheiban and artists involved with The Khalil Sakakini Cultural Centre in Ramallah, which was founded to promote arts and culture in Palestine.

During the visits, participants meet cultural leaders from the region, as well as students and citizens, in an effort to promote a greater understanding and a greater mutual acceptance of different points of view.

In May 2021, at a peak of conflict between Israel and Hamas, Anita and Poju released the following statement:

We founded the Zabludowicz Collection to nurture art and artists and promote a culture of inclusivity. The war between Israel and Hamas has broken our hearts once again. We passionately support a Two-State Solution that guarantees the rights of Palestinians and Israelis to live and work side by side in peace. We welcome the ceasefire, as it is only through respectful and diplomatic dialogue that a permanent peace can be achieved. We know that violence and aggression are not the answer, and mourn the innocent lives lost on both sides.

Anita and Poju Zabludowicz, 21 May 2021.