Inaugural Sharjah Human Development Forum Focuses On Humanity And Heritage In Palestine
The inaugural Sharjah Human Development Forum took place at the University of Sharjah, focusing on "Humanity and Heritage in Palestine." H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi and H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi attended the event. The forum emphasised the importance of placing people at the centre of development projects, reflecting the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.
H.H. Sheikh Sultan highlighted that educational institutions play a crucial role in humanitarian efforts by transforming knowledge into practical solutions. He expressed gratitude to Sheikha Jawaher for involving UOS in the forum's mission, underscoring the need for collaboration between educational and humanitarian sectors.
In his keynote address, H.H. Sheikh Sultan explained that choosing "Humanity and Heritage in Palestine" as the theme aligns with UOS's objectives. He stressed that heritage is not just about history or museum artefacts but a living ecosystem of values and creativity that must be preserved for future generations.
H.H. Sheikha Jawaher announced initiatives to support Palestinian heritage, including establishing a Chair in Palestinian Studies at UOS. This initiative aims to preserve Palestinian cultural identity through specialised research and academic programmes.
Addressing students, H.H. Sheikha Jawaher emphasised investing in Arab youth as they are vital for civilisation's progress. She encouraged students to transform their sense of belonging into meaningful service for future generations, combining knowledge with compassion and ambition with humility.
The forum also launched the "Palestine Legacy Fund," which will support both tangible and intangible Palestinian heritage through partnerships with international institutions. Scholarships will be provided to Palestinian students, especially those displaced from Gaza.
Panel Discussions on Cultural Preservation
The main session featured discussions on preserving Palestinian heritage amid challenges faced by Palestinians daily. Eng. Shatha Safi highlighted Riwaq Centre's efforts to document historic sites and promote social development through cultural preservation.
Dr Reem El Mutwalli noted that while challenges exist across the Arab world, Palestinians face them more intensely every day. The Zay Initiative offers a unique approach by documenting cultural elements like clothing that carry historical significance.
Commitment to Humanitarian Work
The forum concluded with a tripartite agreement to establish the Jawaher Al Qasimi Chair in Palestinian Studies at UOS, aiming to preserve Palestinian identity through interdisciplinary research and academic opportunities for students and researchers.
The event also featured an art exhibition titled "I Once Had a Day," showcasing works reflecting on the Palestinian experience of exile and resistance. The exhibition aimed to portray land as a witness and living memory through visual dialogue.
The Sharjah Human Development Forum seeks to promote strategic thinking in humanitarian work, supporting women's empowerment and transforming field experiences into structured dialogue for advancing human development regionally and globally.
With inputs from WAM
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