At the invitation of UNESCO and the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization took part remotely, on September 6, 2021, in the Regional Arab Dialogue and Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the 1970 UNESCO Convention in the Arab States Region. ALECSO contributed a paper, presented by Dr. Fethi Jarray, expert at the Culture Department, on the Organization’s efforts to preserve cultural heritage and combat illegal trafficking in cultural property.
This event was attended by the representatives of many States, international bodies and organizations, and NGOs, along with global experts. Discussions focused on several issues related to current threats to cultural heritage in the Arab region and the Arab States’ involvement in the 1970 Convention. Recommendations and proposals were made to overcome challenges and difficulties in this regard.
Particular emphasis was laid on the key importance that ALECSO attaches to the preservation of cultural heritage, through various activities and programs, including the “Legal Aid Program for the Recovery of illegally Seized Cultural Property in the Arab Countries”. This program involves developing a strategic plan that includes a set of recommendations and practical steps. It will be presented during the next session of the Conference on Archeology and Cultural Heritage in the Arab World, which will address the theme of “Heritage Security in the Arab World”. It will then be submitted to the Conference of Arab Culture Ministers, to be held in December 2021.
It was also stressed that ALECSO stands ready to increase cooperation with national institutions in Arab States as well as with international organizations, NGOs, and global experts, with a view to preserving the Arab cultural heritage and promoting its integration into economic programs and its contribution to sustainable development.
