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Al Etihad
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
UAE, Lebanese ministers underscore cultural heritage as 'a bridge to peace'
1 May 2025 16:08 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025 hosted a panel discussion titled 'Heritage for Peace: Safeguarding Heritage Sites in Conflict Zones', with the participation of Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State, and Dr. Ghassan Salamé, Lebanon's Minister of session focused on the vital role of cultural heritage in promoting peace, and rebuilding societies affected by conflict. Both speakers emphasised that the preservation of heritage serves as a bridge for peace, and a pillar for identity preservation, in war-torn Kaabi highlighted UAE-led initiatives that demonstrate how safeguarding cultural sites can support post-conflict recovery. The UNESCO-led 'Revive the Spirit of Mosul' project in Iraq – supported by the UAE – is rebuilding historic landmarks such as Mosul's Al-Nouri Mosque and Al-Tahera Church. More than 1,700 young Iraqis have been trained through this initiative to restore heritage sites and contribute to community reconstruction."Protecting both tangible and intangible culture is a top priority for the UAE," Al Kaabi said, underlining that the preservation of heritage is a collective responsibility, and "an integral part of fostering human dialogue and building bridges between peoples." She added that cultural heritage forms a fundamental element of community identity, and lays the foundations for peace and Kaabi also discussed the UAE's role in the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH), launched in partnership with France. Through ALIPH, the UAE has supported more than 500 projects worldwide dedicated to protecting and restoring cultural heritage. These efforts, she explained, align with the UAE's broader vision of raising global awareness, regarding the value of heritage, in building a sustainable future for the next generation. The international partnerships also underscore the significance of funding and collaborative action in safeguarding humanity's shared Ghassan Salamé commended the UAE's contributions, and stressed the need for inclusive, community-driven approaches to heritage preservation."Restoring heritage should not be left to international organisations alone – it must be a joint effort that engages local people and institutions, especially in countries facing economic challenges," Salamé cited the success of the Mosul reconstruction as a model example of how global and local partners can work hand in hand, calling it 'a successful model of international-local collaboration in reviving heritage'. He also shared examples from Lebanon, including a youth-led initiative in Beirut to rehabilitate historic quarters after the 2020 port explosion, and community restoration efforts in Tripoli that have helped foster reconciliation. These case studies, he noted, illustrate the power of cultural projects in healing social divisions and rebuilding Al Kaabi and Dr. Salamé underscored that cultural heritage is more than physical structures; it is a source of identity, pride, and continuity for communities. Both sides agreed that safeguarding heritage in conflict zones not only preserves history but also unites people and restores normalcy. The panel concluded with a call for greater international cooperation and commitment to this cause. The speakers urged governments, international agencies and local stakeholders to integrate cultural heritage protection into peacebuilding policies, increase funding for restoration projects, and support grassroots initiatives. They affirmed that these concerted efforts will ensure that heritage sites can endure as symbols of resilience and bridges of peace for future generations.
The Hindu
23-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Taliban change tune towards heritage sites in Afghanistan
In March 2001, the Taliban shocked the world by dynamiting the giant Buddhas of Bamiyan. Two decades later, they are back in power and claim to be making strides to preserve Afghanistan's millennia-old heritage, including pre-Islamic relics. Even months before their takeover in 2021 the Taliban called for the protection of ancient artefacts in the country, sparking scepticism among observers. They are 'part of our country's history, identity and rich culture', the authorities declared. Since their return to power and decades of war ended, archaeological finds — particularly related to Buddhism — have proliferated, with discoveries publicised by the authorities. In eastern Laghman province, niches carved into rocks in Gowarjan village and carved Brahmi inscriptions have been found. 'It is said that Afghan history goes back 5,000 years — these ancient sites prove it; people lived here,' said Mohammed Yaqoub Ayoubi, head of the provincial culture and tourism department. 'I think the Taliban have understood how much the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas damaged their reputation,' said Valery Freland, director of the ALIPH foundation, the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage.
Al Etihad
22-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Uzbekistan eyes UAE collaboration at upcoming UNESCO Conference: Ambassador
22 Apr 2025 12:31 ABU DHABI (WAM) Abdulaziz Akkulov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the UAE, said that ties between the UAE and Uzbekistan have seen rapid development in recent years, marked by strong cooperation in international organisations and joint preparations to host the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand later this remarks came during a dialogue session held on Monday at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, which focused on Uzbekistan's contributions to UNESCO initiatives and efforts to align with the UAE in advancing sustainable development session was attended by Director-General of the Academy, Nickolay Mladenov, along with senior officials from both ambassador said that the strategic partnership was formalised during the visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan to the UAE in January 2025.'Uzbekistan and the UAE enjoy dynamic and mutually enriching cooperation in the cultural sphere, marked by a shared commitment to preserving heritage and fostering intercultural dialogue,' he ambassador also praised Uzbekistan's annual participation in the Sheikh Zayed Festival, where it showcases traditional arts and crafts through its national highlighted that leading museums in both countries are working together on joint exhibitions and professional exchanges. In March, Uzbekistan became the ninth member of ALIPH – the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas – a step he said reinforces joint efforts to safeguard cultural welcomed the launch of ALIPH's regional call for projects in April 2025 to protect Central Asia's heritage from climate threats, underscoring the active role of both Uzbekistan and the UAE in these also said that Uzbekistan is preparing to host the Second Summit of the Central Asian Countries and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, scheduled for May 5 in Samarkand. He noted that Samarkand, one of the world's oldest cities, has become a prominent international hub for conferences, tourism, and business, having hosted events such as the SCO Heads of State Summit (2022), the 25th Session of the UN World Tourism Organisation General Assembly (2023) and the Central Asia–EU Summit (2025).
