Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, witnessed the opening of the fifth edition of the Arab Forum for Cultural Heritage, organised by the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM-Sharjah). The event, held at the Centre of International Organisations for Cultural Heritage in Sharjah University City, focused on the theme 'The Role of Women and Youth in Preserving Cultural Heritage and Museum Innovation'.
According to Emirates News Agency, the ceremony commenced with the UAE national anthem, followed by a welcoming speech from Nasir Al Darmaki, Deputy Manager of ICCROM-Sharjah. He praised the Ruler of Sharjah for his support of cultural and heritage events and outlined the forum's objectives to empower women and youth in heritage preservation. He also reviewed Sharjah's initiatives to enhance their roles within society.
Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations, emphasized that heritage is a living value rooted in memory and practice, beyond just preserved artefacts. He highlighted Arab women's central role as guardians of heritage and youth as innovators who integrate tradition with technology and the cultural economy.
In a recorded message, Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral, Director-General of ICCROM, expressed gratitude to the Ruler of Sharjah for his vision and continuous support. She described the forum as a platform for amplifying voices, sharing experiences, and building partnerships to shape the future of heritage preservation.
Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, stressed the importance of heritage in shaping Arab identity and involving women and youth as bridges between past and future. He mentioned that museum innovation is crucial to present heritage in a contemporary manner without losing authenticity.
Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the UAE President, delivered the keynote address, focusing on youth, heritage, and cultural resilience in the Arab world. He discussed women's role in transmitting traditions, youth's contribution to reviving cultural memory, and the use of digital tools to enhance engagement with heritage. He also shared youth-led experiences and policy recommendations to support youth empowerment in this field.
The programme included a qanun performance of Emirati pieces, concluding with commemorative photos with the Ruler of Sharjah. The three-day forum underscores Sharjah's commitment to heritage as a pillar of Arab identity and sustainable development, highlighting women's roles as cultural knowledge transmitters and youth as innovators offering creative solutions for heritage conservation.
The event was attended by Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Sheikh Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Sheikha Nawar bint Ahmed Al Qasimi, Zaki Nusseibeh, along with senior officials, cultural leaders, and representatives from Arab and international institutions.