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 Culture.The 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 communities.Al 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 stability.Al 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 history.Dr. 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 said.He 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 hope.Both 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.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Gulf Today

4 hours ago

• Gulf Today

Afghanistan turns to Russia for some food supplies amid Iran-Israel war

Afghanistan is in discussions with Russia to import certain foodstuffs as the conflict between Israel and Iran, one of its largest trading partners, risked cutting off supplies, its agriculture minister told Reuters. As relations between Russia and the Taliban government have been improving, an Afghan delegation is visiting Russia's main economic conference in St. Petersburg this week, meeting Russian agriculture officials. "Afghanistan is definitely aiming for self-sufficiency in its agricultural products. However, we still rely on some food items that come from Iran, and if problems arise there, it will undoubtedly have its effects," Ataullah Omari said on the sidelines of the conference. Iran supplies Afghanistan with some dairy products, among other commodities, and there is widespread concern the week-old war between Israel and Iran could disrupt trade flows Russia - the world's largest wheat exporter - and Kazakhstan are the main suppliers of wheat and flour to Afghanistan. Russia is also supplying sugar and vegetable oil. Omari said that the country is now seeking wheat rather than flour from Russia. Afghanistan, the top buyer of Russian flour in 2024, increased its own wheat production by 10% last year to 4.83 million metric tons. The country's total wheat consumption is estimated at 6.8 million metric tons a year. "For the past four years, since the withdrawal of the Americans, we have been making efforts to provide our essential food supplies ourselves. The remaining amount, including flour and wheat, is supplied annually by Russia," Omari said. "We have requested that Russia send us wheat instead of flour. Additionally, the import of other products that come from Russia to our country annually is progressing well," he added. In April, Russia lifted its ban on the Taliban, which it had designated as a terrorist organisation for more than two decades, paving the way for Moscow to normalise ties with Afghanistan's leadership. Since 2022, Afghanistan has imported gas, oil, and wheat from Russia, marking the first major economic deal after the Taliban returned to power, facing international isolation following 20 years of war against US-led forces. Omari expressed concern about Afghan refugees living in Iran who could become victims of Israel's attacks. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates that nearly 4.5 million Afghan nationals reside in Iran. "Any kind of damage that occurs there is absolutely unsatisfactory for our nation and our people, especially for many of our refugees who live there and are our brothers," he said. Reuters

Gulf Today

8 hours ago

• Gulf Today

Thai PM will not resign or dissolve parliament, ruling party official says

Thailand's embattled prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will not resign or dissolve parliament, a senior official from the ruling Pheu Thai party said on Saturday, risking a prolonged political crisis in Southeast Asia's second largest economy. Sorawong Thienthong, who also serves as Thailand's tourism minister, said in a Facebook post that the prime minister would not quit, despite growing calls for her resignation after her apparent mishandling of a border dispute with neighbouring Cambodia. "The prime minister has clearly confirmed to us that she will continue to perform her duty to resolve various crises that the country is facing to the best of her ability," he said. "The government confirms that it will continue to work, not resign, and not dissolve parliament." Paetongtarn Shinawatra gestures at a press conference next to Armed Forces Commander Pana Klaewplodthuk (R) in Bangkok. AFP Paetongtarn, daughter of divisive tycoon and former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, is facing domestic anger over the leak of a phone call between her and Cambodia's influential former leader Hun Sen, in which she appeared to kowtow before the veteran politician and denigrated a senior Thai military commander. The Bhumjaithai Party, which was the second-biggest partner in Thailand's ruling coalition, withdrew from the alliance late on Wednesday, citing the leak earlier that day. Another coalition member, the United Thai Nation party, looked set to demand Paetongtarn's resignation in return for backing the Pheu Thai-led ruling coalition and securing its narrow parliamentary majority. Paetongtarn has apologised for the call with Hun Sen, but not commented on the crisis so far. Activists have also scheduled a protest in Bangkok starting on June 28 to ask for Paetongtarn's resignation, among them groups with a history of influential rallies against Shinawatra administrations. Reuters

Gulf Business

8 hours ago

• Gulf Business

Significant reforms: Changes announced in the UAE government

Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website Following consultations and the approval of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, announced today several changes to the UAE government. Read- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid stated: 'Following consultations with my brother, the President, and with his approval, we announce today the following changes to the UAE government: the establishment of a Ministry of Foreign Trade and the appointment of Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi as Minister of Foreign Trade, as well as the renaming of the Ministry of Economy to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, led by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri.' He added: 'We also announce that the National Artificial Intelligence System will be adopted as an advisory member of the Council of Ministers, the Ministerial Development Council, and all boards of federal entities and government companies starting in January 2026. It will support decision-making, conduct real-time analyses, offer technical advice, and enhance the efficiency of government policies across all sectors.' Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid concluded: 'The world is undergoing a comprehensive transformation—scientifically, economically, and socially. Our goal is to prepare today for the coming decades. Our aim is to ensure continued prosperity and a dignified life for future generations.'