Latest news with #ScientificandTechnicalAdvisoryBody
Maroc
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Maroc
Morocco Elected Vice-President of UNESCO's Scientific, Technical Advisory Body for Underwater Cultural Heritage
The Kingdom of Morocco has been elected Vice-President of UNESCO's Scientific and Technical Advisory Body (STAB) for Underwater Cultural Heritage, represented by Professor Azzeddine Karra, during elections held this Wednesday. According to Morocco's representation at the UN organization, the election took place during the 16th meeting of the STAB under the 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, held as part of the 10th Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention. The STAB, composed of 14 international experts, is the advisory body that provides technical guidance to the Meeting of States Parties for the implementation of the 2001 Convention. Its missions include evaluating the adherence to the Rules of the Convention's Annex in all activities related to underwater cultural heritage, building capacities, developing national action plans, and supporting States Parties in the implementation process. Professor Azzeddine Karra, Morocco's focal point at UNESCO for underwater cultural heritage since 2013, is internationally recognized for his expertise in this field. He previously chaired the STAB in 2017, reflecting his significant contribution to the protection of global underwater heritage. This election confirms Morocco's firm and ongoing commitment to the preservation of underwater cultural heritage while strengthening its active and influential presence within UNESCO's specialized international bodies. It also reflects the international community's trust in Morocco's expertise and the Kingdom's ability to effectively contribute to global efforts to safeguard this invaluable heritage for humanity. MAP: 18 June 2025
Morocco World
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Secures Vice-Presidency of UNESCO's Underwater Heritage Council
Rabat – Morocco has secured a new seat at the table of global cultural preservation. Today, the North African country was elected vice-president of UNESCO's Scientific and Technical Advisory Body (STAB), with Azzedine Karra appointed as its representative. The election took place during the 16th meeting of STAB, held as part of the 10th gathering of States Parties to the 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage. The treaty, often overlooked, plays an important role in shielding ancient shipwrecks, submerging ruins, and other underwater cultural remains from looting and destruction. STAB brings together 14 international experts tasked with offering technical insight, helping countries put the convention into action, and making sure archaeological rules are respected. It also helps states develop skills and set up national frameworks to protect submerged heritage. For Morocco, this recognition is important at all levels. Karra, a specialist in underwater heritage, has been Morocco's representative at UNESCO since 2013 and was president of STAB in 2017. His return to head the council demonstrates personal integrity and faith that international partners have in Moroccan skills. The election sends a strong message of Morocco's growing presence in UNESCO. It also sends the broader message of the country's dedication to protecting heritage. Through Karra's new role, Morocco strengthens its position within global cultural diplomacy circles, while contributing concrete knowledge to a field where science, history, and international cooperation meet. In February, a Moroccan maritime heritage association has identified the locations of nine sunken ships from World War I along the southern coast of Morocco. These vessels, lost over a century ago, belonged to different countries, such as Japan, Norway, France, Britain, Portugal, and Italy. Tags: MoroccoMorocco UNESCOshipwrecksunderwater heritageUNESCO heritage
