Sharjah: The 5th Arab Forum for Cultural Heritage officially opened today in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Sharjah, who also honoured the occasion with his presence. Organized by ICCROM through its Regional Centre in Sharjah, this three-day event brings together officials, experts, cultural leaders, and community representatives from across the Arab region to strengthen the present and future of cultural heritage while reaffirming Sharjah’s commitment to its preservation as a cornerstone of Arab identity and sustainable development.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, since its inception in 2018, the Arab Forum for Cultural Heritage has established itself as a permanent platform for safeguarding and promoting the region’s cultural heritage. Held every two years, the Forum convenes experts and practitioners to share best practices, develop strategies suited to the Arab context, and explore both tangible and intangible heritage. Over the years, its focus has broadened-from defining the essence of cultural heritage and fostering dialogue on living traditions to addressing the preservation of built heritage, enhancing community resilience, and integrating social and environmental considerations into conservation policies.
This year’s edition is held under the theme, ‘The Role of Women and Youth in Cultural Heritage Conservation and Museum Innovation.’ It highlights women as guardians and transmitters of cultural knowledge and emphasizes youth as innovators in heritage preservation. Discussions focus on empowering communities, promoting intergenerational dialogue, strengthening cultural resilience, and shaping inclusive policies that ensure heritage remains relevant in a rapidly changing world.
The opening ceremony featured keynote addresses by the organizers and distinguished guests. In her opening remarks, Ms. Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral, Director-General of ICCROM, highlighted the 5th Arab Forum for Cultural Heritage as a proud testament to the region’s commitment to prioritizing women and youth in the preservation of its heritage. Director-General Gujral expressed her deepest gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and the Ruler of Sharjah, whose unwavering commitment to cultural heritage and support for ICCROM’s Regional Centre in Sharjah make gatherings such as this one possible.
H.E. Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Government Relations Department in Sharjah, delivered a welcoming speech in which he emphasized that heritage is not just about old buildings or preserved artifacts; it is a living value shaped by memory, customs, and practices. Its true meaning comes from people who are the bearers of memory and storytellers. He highlighted the crucial role of Arab women as the heart of the story and the voice of living heritage, while also recognizing the youth as the creators of the future who integrate heritage with innovation, technology, and the cultural economy. He concluded his speech by emphasizing that empowering women and supporting youth is crucial for preserving cultural identity and passing it on to future generations.
Mr. Nasir Al Darmaki, Deputy Director of ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah, expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Sharjah, for his unwavering support and patronage. Mr. Al Darmaki emphasized that the Forum is more than an academic gathering-it is a movement that actively engages women and youth in decision-making and practical initiatives, making heritage preservation a living, inclusive process. Mr. Al Darmaki also highlighted projects by the Government of Sharjah aimed at empowering youth and fostering their active societal roles, celebrating the UAE as a regional model for supporting women and youth in the cultural heritage sector.
Dr. Abdelaziz AlMussallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, emphasized in his opening speech at the Forum the ongoing role of cultural heritage in shaping the collective identity of the Arab world and strengthening its presence. He noted that Sharjah attaches the utmost importance to engaging women and youth in all heritage programs and projects, recognizing them as the true safeguard of this legacy’s continuity and as the bridge between past and future. Dr. AlMussallam also highlighted the importance of the distinguished cooperation between the Institute and ICCROM’s Regional Centre in Sharjah, which has become a regional model for addressing pressing challenges in heritage preservation.
H.E. Dr. Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President, delivered a keynote speech titled ‘Youth, Heritage, and the Future of Cultural Resilience in the Arab World.’ He discussed the evolving roles of women in transmitting traditions, as well as the role of creative youth in safeguarding, reviving, and transforming cultural heritage, which he described as a living memory of civilization and of the language spoken by members of society. He also addressed the value of technology and digital tools in enhancing access to and engagement with both local and global cultural heritage.
H.E. Zaki Nusseibeh presented several inspiring youth experiences from within the UAE and abroad, noting that these initiatives have become regional models for innovation in heritage preservation, while also strengthening community participation and intergenerational knowledge transfer. He concluded his speech with several recommendations and ideas regarding youth empowerment policies in the field of cultural heritage.
The opening day featured two in-depth panel discussions. The first, moderated by H.E. Sheikha Nawar Al Qasimi, focused on women’s roles in cultural transmission and included contributions from Dr. Fouad Mahdaoui (Morocco), H.E. Reem Bin Karam (Director General of IRTHI), Dr. Hasan Ashkanani (Kuwait), architect Abeer Seikaly (Jordan), and Dr. Eglal Elmalik (Sudan).
The second panel, moderated by Mr. Nasir Al Darmaki, explored youth as innovators in heritage and museums, featuring H.E. Aisha Deemas (Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority), Dr. Ech-Cherki Dahmali (President of the Arab Organization of Museums), Mr. Martin Daltry (British Council in the UAE), Ms. Rafif Al-Amassi (Premi¨re Urgence Internationale), and Mr. Mikey Muhanna, Founder and Executive Director of ‘AFIKRA.’
The first day’s programme also featured an inspiring case study presented by the architect Ahmad Al Kasasbeh from Jordan, in which he showcased the ‘Makan’ initiative. The project integrates advanced technology with the preservation of cultural heritage, aiming to create accurate digital databases, engage communities in documenting crafts and oral traditions, and offer rich cultural experiences through interactive platforms. The day concluded with an interactive session led by Mr. Mikey Muhanna, providing participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas and connect in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
As the first day concluded, participants reaffirmed that cultural heritage is a living, evolving resource for building inclusive, sustainable societies. By emphasizing women and youth as central to heritage initiatives, the Forum underscored the Arab world’s collective commitment to safeguarding cultural memory while fostering innovation for the future. These efforts closely align with the Forum’s objectives of promoting cross-border collaboration, sustainable heritage management, and preserving the region’s rich cultural legacy for generations to come.