UAE Acknowledged As Key Partner In Heritage Protection By UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has acknowledged the UAE's significant contribution to international cultural cooperation. She described the nation as a crucial partner in heritage preservation and post-crisis reconstruction. At the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai, Azoulay emphasised the importance of global collaboration in education, culture, and science.

Azoulay highlighted the "Revive the Spirit of Mosul" initiative, launched in 2018, as a prime example of how heritage restoration can aid recovery. The UAE was the main financial backer of this project. This initiative has successfully restored key historical sites in Mosul, such as the Al-Nouri Mosque and its Al-Hadba Minaret, along with other significant landmarks.

The restoration efforts have included the Convent of our Lady of the Hour and Al-Tahera Church, Al-Aghawat Mosque, and Al-Ekhlass school in Mosul's Old City. By late 2024, 124 heritage houses had been rehabilitated, enabling displaced families to return home. Azoulay recently visited Mosul and observed that its historic centre is once again lively, demonstrating that heritage restoration can significantly contribute to rebuilding communities.

Beyond heritage projects, Azoulay commended the UAE for its active participation in global cultural cooperation within both the UN and G20 frameworks. She identified it as a key UNESCO partner. The collaboration extends to areas like vocational education and arts integration into sustainable development.

Abu Dhabi hosted an international conference on technical education last year, showcasing its dedication to incorporating arts into sustainable development. Looking forward, Azoulay announced that Abu Dhabi will host UNESCO’s International Jazz Day on 30th April 2025. This event will include cultural activities, exhibitions, and music workshops involving students and artists from across the region.

A high-level cultural summit will also be part of this event. It aims to bring together global leaders to encourage dialogue through the arts. This initiative reflects Abu Dhabi's commitment to fostering cultural exchange and understanding on a global scale.

Azoulay's remarks underscore the UAE’s pivotal role in promoting cultural cooperation worldwide. Its efforts in heritage restoration and support for educational initiatives highlight its commitment to preserving history while advancing sustainable development goals.

With inputs from WAM