Sharjah Seeks Rome's Partnership In Cultural Heritage Preservation Efforts

In a significant move to bolster global heritage preservation efforts, a delegation from Sharjah, led by Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations, embarked on a strategic visit to Rome. The visit aimed at fostering collaboration and partnerships with the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and various Italian cultural institutions. This initiative underscores the pressing need to address the challenges posed by environmental and societal changes to cultural heritage.

The discussions during the visit were centered around the critical importance of cultural heritage and the development of strategies to overcome contemporary challenges. A key focus was placed on enhancing the training sector, boosting professional capacities, and cultivating dedicated partnerships for global heritage preservation. The delegation's visit to ICCROM's headquarters further solidified the commitment of the Athar ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah towards safeguarding Arab world's cultural heritage.

Sheikh Fahim highlighted the essence of collective global cooperation in heritage preservation. He pointed out the beneficial cultural and scientific exchange between Sharjah and ICCROM, which serves as a foundation for future collaborative efforts. The delegation's itinerary also included visits to various cultural sites in Rome, where they shared their vision, mission, and programs with their Italian counterparts.

The Sharjah Museums Authority played a pivotal role during the visit by emphasizing the crucial role museums play in heritage preservation. Discussions with Italian institutions explored potential collaboration opportunities in organizing joint exhibitions, workshops, and training programs. Furthermore, the delegation showcased innovative initiatives in digitizing cultural heritage through advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) reconstructions.

This visit marks a significant step towards enhancing global cooperation in preserving cultural heritage. By exploring new avenues for collaboration and leveraging advanced technologies, Sharjah aims to lead by example in safeguarding our global heritage for future generations.

With inputs from WAM