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The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has inscribed ten newly recognized cultural and natural sites on the World Heritage List, representing civilizational and environmental diversity from around the globe.This came during the 48th session currently underway in Busan, Republic of Korea, which will continue until July 29, 2026.The newly inscribed sites include the Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara in Japan, Tashkent Modernist Architecture in Uzbekistan, the Rocas of Sao Tome and Príncipe, the Wider Area of Mount Olympus in Greece, Aalto Works in Finland, and the Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944.Also placed on the List are the Capetian Royal Fortresses of Languedoc in France, the System of Italian-style Condominio Theatres in Italy, in addition to the extension of the Berlin Modernism Housing Estates site through the inclusion of Waldsiedlung Zehlendorf.The new sites highlight crucial chapters in the history of human civilizations, the evolution of architecture and the arts, and historical memory, alongside natural sites of outstanding value, reinforcing efforts to preserve global cultural and natural heritage for future generations.The 21 committee members, elected from among 196 countries, uphold a fundamental responsibility under the World Heritage Convention, identifying new sites to be added to the List and monitoring the conservation status of sites already inscribed.  

Unesco Sunday added the iconic D-Day landing beaches in Normandy to its World Heritage List, marking the culmination of a project launched nearly two decades ago. Stretching for more than 80km of France’s northwestern coast, Allied forces landed on the beaches on June 6, 1944 to fight a decisive battle to liberate Europe from Nazism and end World War II. The nomination included the five D-Day beaches known by their code names: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. A dwindling number of veterans visit each year and world leaders congregate there on key anniversaries. “This decision places a responsibility upon us,” said Herve Morin, president of the Normandy Region. “It compels us to preserve this property, to protect it, to cherish it even more, and to promote its value,” he added. The D-Day landings join more than 50 French sites already inscribed on the list, alongside the spectacular Mont Saint Michel island in Normandy and the Palace of Versailles. Recognition of their “outstanding universal value” brings international renown and commits authorities to work toward their preservation. Greece meanwhile welcomed the inclusion of Mount Olympus, its highest mountain, a protected nature reserve and, according to Greek mythology, home to the gods of antiquity, on Unesco’s list. The mountain is also one of Europe’s most biodiverse areas and home to rare wildlife. “From today, the mythical Mount Olympus becomes a mountain belonging to all of humanity,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis wrote on Facebook. Unesco also accorded World Heritage status to 18 historic 18th and 19th-century condominium-style theatres in the Italian regions of Emilia Romagna, Marche and Umbria. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli Rome noted the decision to mark the theatres’ contribution to their regions’ cultural and social life “with pride and satisfaction.” 

Unesco has added six centuries-old medinas in the Comoros – once historic sultanates along Indian Ocean trading routes – to its World Heritage List, raising hopes for their preservation.The ancient cities of palaces, mosques, public squares and narrow streets, some dating back to the 12th century, are still occupied today, even though many structures are in serious disrepair."This listing is not a finish line but a starting point," said Comoros Culture Minister Said Mohamed Ali Said, part of a government delegation that travelled to Unesco’s meeting in Busan, South Korea, for the announcement Saturday.It was a moment of "immense national pride", he told AFP.The medinas are the first sites from the Comoros archipelago to join the Unesco list, which counts more than 1,200 properties around the world considered to have "outstanding universal value" worth protection.**media[472179]**They "are not just historical sites for us: they are living towns, where people still pray, trade, and celebrate life's great moments exactly as our ancestors did", the minister said."This heritage is fragile and, in places, in real danger," he said. "The listing changes things: it places obligations on us, but it also opens doors for us."The Islamic country, about 300km (200 miles) off the coast of Africa and home today to around 870,000 people, was for centuries a crossroads of maritime trade between east Africa, the Middle East and Madagascar."We were globalisation before its time," Comoros President Azali Assoumani declared in Busan, insisting that the archipelago "has long been" an "active crossroads, a place of exchange, knowledge, and refined governance".Four of the inscribed medinas are on the main island of Grande Comore and two on the smaller island of Anjouan.The 14th-century medina in the capital Moroni includes the emblematic Friday Mosque with its green minaret across from the dhow port.It is surrounded by paved alleyways and multi-storey houses, some with heavy, carved doors.**media[472180]**The small maritime Itsandra medina nearby is considered a cradle of Swahili civilisation.Further south, the 12th-century Iconi medina houses the tomb of Prince Said Ibrahim, son of the last sultan of Grande Comore, Said Ali."The Comorian medinas were once home to historic sultanates; unfortunately, uncontrolled urbanisation and 'modernisation' have altered them," said the heritage promotion office director-general, Ania Mohamed Issa.After the Unesco inscription, "there will be the development of cultural, historical and architectural tourism, and the preservation of heritage", said Faniya Abbas, of the Medina Wiratha cultural association.The medinas have preserved their old urban shape, structures and traditions, according to Unesco’s nomination, but the oldest structures "are highly vulnerable, with several cases in serious disrepair". 

The 48th session of the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) kicked off in Busan, the Republic of Korea, on Sunday.The State of Qatar is participating in this event, which was officially inaugurated by President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung. In his opening remarks, Myung said world heritage goes beyond national borders, describing the session as a watershed moment that embodies the unity of the international community.He called on parties to ramp up cooperation in confronting challenges that imperil shared human heritage.Qatar Museums is taking part in this session with a delegation led by Director of International Cooperation & Government Affairs, Dr. Fatema Hassan Al Sulaiti.The ten-day session convenes almost 3,000 officials and experts representing 196 countries that are parties to the World Heritage Convention, including the State of Qatar, alongside representatives of regional and international organizations and NGOs specializing in cultural and natural heritage domains.Attending the event are several top-echelon UNESCO officials, most prominently Director-General of UNESCO Dr. Khaled El Enany and HE Chairperson of the Organization's Executive Board and Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to UNESCO, Dr. Nasser bin Hamad Al Hinzab.The opening ceremony featured cultural shows, with the public sessions scheduled for Monday, July 20, until July 29.The World Heritage Committee is the main body responsible for implementing the World Heritage Convention. It annually examines requests for the inscription of new sites on the World Heritage List, reviews the state of conservation of inscribed sites, and discusses policies related to the protection of cultural and natural heritage.The Committee is set to scrutinize 33 files during the current session, including 30 new nominations for inscription on the World Heritage List, in addition to three requests for the extension or modification of previously inscribed sites.The session is also expected to discuss the "Busan Declaration," an initiative that the Republic of Korea, in its capacity as the host country, intends to put forward for discussion and adoption during the current session.The declaration proposes adding the principle of "Cooperation" as a sixth strategic objective alongside the five current priorities of the World Heritage Convention: Credibility, Conservation, Capacity-building, Communication, and Communities.The aim is to boost international cooperation in addressing the challenges that threaten heritage sites, foremost among which are climate change and natural disasters.

The State of Qatar is taking part in the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), convened in India from Dec. 8 to 13.The Qatar delegation was headed by HE Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani. The session witnessed the inscription of the Arab bisht on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, marking the first joint Arab file led by the State of Qatar with the participation of nine Arab countries.This cultural milestone reflects the preeminent standing of Gulf and Arab heritage and its enduring ability to articulate collective identity and shared civilizational memory. This milestone is the result of the Ministry's efforts to project the local legacy and safeguard traditional crafts, foremost among them the craft of bisht-making in Qatar, which represents one of the most significant crafts tied to social identity and national symbolism.The inscription of the file affirms Qatar's commitment to protecting this time-honored craft, enhancing its presence in the cultural consciousness, and transmitting it to emerging generations amid rapid economic and social transformations.Addressing the session, HE the Minister affirmed that the file showcases the Arab bisht as a cross-generational cultural element, serving as a symbol tied to social life, explaining that it was worn by Qatari forebears during celebrations and educational settings and has remained a witness to the history of the region.HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani draped Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentina national team and winner of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, in the Qatari bisht. This noble gesture reflected the prestigious status of the bisht in Qatari culture, the Minister highlighted.He asserted that the bisht would not be the last cultural heritage file that Qatar seeks to inscribe on UNESCO's Representative List. In essence, the bisht has become a symbol of prestige, social standing, and dignity. For over a century and a half, its craftsmanship has flourished. The inscription of the bisht file on UNESCO's Representative List marks a significant milestone in the path toward safeguarding Qatari and Arab heritage.The step underscores Qatar's commitment to protecting its heritage components and ensuring their transmission to future generations. This listing also reflects the success of the Ministry's 2023 initiative to register the Arab bisht as intangible heritage, thereby constituting a global recognition of its cultural and social value.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has been awarded a Unesco Chair on Digital Technologies and Human Behaviour, with the College of Science and Engineering’s (CSE) Dr Raian Ali appointed as Chairholder from June 2025 to June 2029.Unesco’s Chairs Programme represents the organisation’s most significant intersectoral activity in higher education. The designation is in recognition of HBKU’s excellence, building on the existing Unesco Chairs on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, a statement said Wednesday.The new Chair will explore the intersection between digital technologies and human behaviour, promoting digital well-being, ethical use of technology, and positive societal transformation. It will also encourage healthy human interaction both online and offline, tackling challenges such as Internet addiction, cyberbullying, and misinformation, while fostering active engagement in addressing these issues.Commenting on the announcement and the significance of the Chair, Dr Mounir Hamdi, Dean, CSE, stated: “Technology is transforming every aspect of how we live, work, and connect. Through this Unesco Chair, HBKU will lead a global effort to ensure that digital transformation empowers people, strengthens communities, amplifies underrepresented voices, and contributes to a healthier relationship between humanity and evolving technologies.”As part of its activities, the Chair will address the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) while embracing its potential benefits, stressing the importance of aligning technology with cultural values and societal norms. By merging a cross-disciplinary approach within Qatar, the region and globally, the programme will promote collaboration among stakeholders, including ministries, policymakers, health professionals, and educators, to maximise social and economic impact.The Chair will also host events that encourage dialogue, knowledge exchange, and innovation across academia, industry, and public policy. These platforms help co-create solutions that are more likely to be adopted and sustained.Dr Ali said: “I am proud to lead this exceptional opportunity to advance research that ensures technology serves human values responsibly. At HBKU, we aim to generate evidence-based insights that promote digital well-being, impact-driven innovation, and a digital future shaped by ethics.”By collaborating with more than 15 partner institutions from over 10 countries and engaging around 40 professionals, the Chair reflects HBKU’s commitment to shaping a holistic and forward-thinking ecosystem that aligns with Qatar’s national priorities and the university’s core research strengths, the statement added.

Qatar University (QU) announced that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), during its 43rd session held in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan, has officially approved the inclusion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of QU in the organisation's list of commemorative events for 2026-2027.The university said, in a statement, the decision follows a proposal submitted by the State of Qatar, represented by QU and the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and supported by several national commissions of member states.The approval recognises QU's pioneering role since its establishment in 1977 in advancing higher education and research, its sustained contributions to community service and national development, and its commitment to strengthening Qatar's academic and scientific presence regionally and internationally, in alignment with Unesco's objectives in education, science, and culture.This decision also represents international recognition of QU's standing as the nation's first and leading university, an academic and research hub that has, over five decades, prepared national talents, enhanced the higher education ecosystem in Qatar, and supported quality education, knowledge-based economic growth, research, innovation, and partnerships with distinguished international institutions.It further highlights QU's contributions to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.The decision reflects the State of Qatar's prioritisation of education as a cornerstone of comprehensive development and a key pillar in achieving Qatar National Vision 2030, as well as its active engagement within multilateral organisations, particularly Unesco.The Golden Jubilee program will feature various activities and events in which Unesco may participate during 2026 and 2027. These include joint academic and cultural events, research and educational initiatives showcasing QU's achievements, and collaborations with local and international partners to document the university's journey through exhibitions, symposia, and publications that highlight its contributions to Qatar's educational renaissance.The planned activities and events will be announced at a later stage.The celebration aims to underscore QU's academic and scientific leadership, reaffirm its role as a national institution and a key driver of human development in Qatar, and envision its future beyond the Golden Jubilee as a beacon of education, research, and innovation in the region.It is noteworthy that since 1956, Unesco has supported the commemoration of fiftieth and centennial anniversaries of significant historical events, institutions, and influential figures celebrated by its member states, recognising their global importance.Such commemorations aim to highlight distinguished personalities, achievements, and milestones that foster international understanding, cultural exchange, and closer relations among peoples in the service of peace.

Commitment to promoting education and protecting world cultural heritage Qatar affirmed its commitment to supporting and promoting education and protecting world cultural heritage.This came in a speech delivered by HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education and Chairperson of the Qatari National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater during her participation in the 43rd session of the General Conference of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with the participation of ministers and officials from various countries around the world.At the outset of her speech to the conference, HE AlKhater expressed Qatar's gratitude to the government of Uzbekistan for its hospitality and excellent organisation, and commended the selection of Samarkand as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2025.She emphasised that the world faces increasing humanitarian and technological challenges that require collective action to reorder priorities and place humanity at the heart of development.She also reiterated Qatar's unwavering support for the brotherly Palestinian people and the preservation of their cultural heritage. She emphasised the importance of Unesco redoubling its efforts to protect educational and cultural institutions in conflict-affected areas, particularly in Palestine and Sudan, where historical and educational sites are suffering widespread destruction that threatens our shared human heritage.HE the Minister also commended the signing of the updated agreement between Qatar and Unesco concerning the Multi-Sectoral Regional Office in Doha, noting that its entry into force in February 2025 will contribute to strengthening regional co-operation in education, culture, and science.She explained that Qatar, under the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, launched its third development strategy (2024-2030), which places education at the heart of sustainable development and the transition to a knowledge-based economy. She highlighted Qatar's achievements in this field, including hosting the 14th Conference of Arab Ministers of Education and preparing for the 5th Regional Conference on Higher Education in May 2026, as well as Doha Municipality winning the Unesco Learning Cities Award for 2024.HE AlKhater also reviewed Qatar's global contributions to supporting education through the Education Above All Foundation, which has provided learning opportunities to more than 14.5mn children and young people in over 60 countries, in addition to the efforts of the Qatar Fund for Development and Qatar Charity in supporting education in conflict zones.In the cultural sphere, she noted Qatar's accession to the Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, the inscription of date palms and henna on Uneco's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and Qatar's hosting of the Conference on Archaeology and Cultural Heritage in the Arab World in October 2025.She affirmed Qatar's commitment to continued co-operation with member states to achieve Unesco's goals and its noble mission of building a more peaceful and humane world.HE AlKhater also participated in a closed ministerial session entitled "Transforming Tomorrow Today: On the Skills Needed for a Sustainable Future," during which she emphasised that Qatar National Vision 2030 places human beings at the heart of sustainable development and seeks to build an educational system that strengthens national identity and embraces global engagement. She said: "Our goal is not only to prepare learners for the jobs of tomorrow, but to empower them to shape tomorrow itself, so they can be a force for good, knowledge, and development."The conference brought together over 2,800 representatives from 190 countries, marking the first such event held outside Unesco headquarters in Paris in over forty years.Dr Khaled El-Enany was elected as the new Director-General of Unesco, succeeding Ms Audrey Azoulay, becoming the first Arab to hold this prestigious position.Qatar's participation in the 43rd session of the Unesco General Conference underscores its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 on quality education, and aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which places human beings at the heart of comprehensive development.

Several member states of the Executive Board of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) have commended Qatar's role in promoting peace in the region, in co-ordination with Egypt, Turkiye and the US.The praise came during the closing session of Unesco's 222nd Executive Board meeting, where representatives from countries including Turkiye, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Oman highlighted Qatar's role in promoting peace during discussions on agenda items related to the Gaza Strip.In a statement delivered during the session, Qatar's Permanent Representative to Unesco, HE Dr Nasser bin Hamad al-Hanzab, emphasised that education is a shared responsibility of the international community and a critical pillar for stability and peace in Gaza, underscoring the role of Unesco in this regard.In a related development, the Committee on Conventions and Recommendations, chaired by HE Dr al-Hanzab, held two public sessions to review items related to the implementation of Unesco's legal and regulatory instruments. The committee addressed mechanisms for enforcing and monitoring these conventions and recommendations among member states, with HE Dr al-Hanzab presenting a report to the Executive Board.The committee also worked to ensure the monitoring of all Unesco-related agreements and recommendations was fully implemented.Furthermore, the committee discussed several human rights issues within Unesco's mandate and examined ways to strengthen international human rights protections, in accordance with the Executive Board's resolutions and Unesco's legal instruments on human rights.

In a collective effort to advance sustainable development through education, education leaders and key stakeholders from across the Arab states concluded in Beirut Wednesday the ESD-NET Arab Region 2025 Regional Workshop. The two-day high-level strategic meeting aimed to accelerate the integration of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into national education systems and to strengthen regional collaboration to drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Hosted by the Unesco Regional Office in Beirut, in partnership with the Unesco Regional Office in Doha, the workshop serves as a key milestone in supporting Arab member states to operationalise the ESD-NET Global Network framework. It focuses on confirming the ESD-NET Terms of Reference, finalising the 2026–2027 Regional Roadmap, and aligning collective efforts to mainstream sustainability within education systems in the region. "This workshop is a new beginning towards a green and sustainable Arab education. Unesco, through its offices in Beirut, Doha, and its headquarters in Paris, is fully committed to supporting countries in this journey — strengthening education systems, empowering teachers, developing curricula, and building strong partnerships with communities and the private sector," said Maysoun Chehab, officer in charge of the Unesco Regional Office in Beirut. This gathering builds on the momentum generated by the 2025 ESD-Arab NET webinar series, which mobilised governments, civil society, the private sector and academic institutions to strengthen the ESD ecosystem in the Arab region. A key highlight of the workshop was the official launch of the Arabic language versions of the Greening Education Partnership’s resources, including the Green Schools Quality Standard and the Greening Curriculum Guidance. “These important resources will support countries in transforming learning environments and curricula to be more climate-responsive and action-oriented," said Salah Khaled, director of the Unesco Regional Office for the Gulf states and Yemen.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) on Tuesday organized a workshop titled 'Activating the National Program for Effective Management of Protected Areas in the State of Qatar', in cooperation with the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science and the UNESCO Office for the Gulf States and Yemen. Attended by several national and international officials and experts as well as representatives from government agencies, academic institutions and civil society organizations, the two-day workshop is part of the country's efforts to develop protected area management and align with international environmental obligations. Director of Natural Reserves Department at the MECC, Saleh Hassan Al Kuwari, highlighted the workshop as an important milestone in Qatar's journey towards achieving environmental sustainability and strengthening the national commitment to the Kunming-Montreal 2022 Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to protect 30 percent of the world's land and water by 2030. The workshop, he added, represents a strategic platform for developing effective tools for integrated management of reserves and building an institutional system that ensures continuity and efficiency, based on Qatar National Vision 2030, which balances development requirements with the conservation of natural resources. He pointed out that the workshop discussed several topics, including biodiversity in the country and the reality of protected areas in terms of achievements, challenges, and opportunities. It also reviewed the strategies and tools adopted for planning and managing these areas, emphasizing the importance of translating the workshop's outcomes into realistic implementation plans within specific timeframes. Assistant Director of Natural Reserves Department Nawaf Jabr Al Nuaimi noted the State of Qatar's success in expanding the scope of natural reserves to include 25.5 percent of the land area and 2.28 percent of the marine area, equivalent to approximately 29 percent of the country's total area. These reserves include sites of environmental and cultural significance, such as Khor Al Adaid, Al Reem Reserve, Khor Al Thakhira, and Al Shahaniya Wildlife Breeding Center. He added that these achievements face challenges, including development pressures, unregulated human and tourism activities, and the repercussions of climate change. However, they are also coupled with promising opportunities in the fields of ecotourism and sustainable resource use, with the participation of local communities and the private sector. He explained that the workshop aimed to discuss these challenges and explore practical solutions by assessing the status of the protected area network, measuring the effectiveness of its management, exploring opportunities for international recognition, and developing sustainable financing mechanisms, in preparation for developing a general framework for a national action plan for the effective management of protected areas. This workshop complements the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's efforts to develop reserves management. Previously, the Ministry launched a program to evaluate the administrative effectiveness of protected areas in numerous locations, including Al Dhakira, Khor Al Adaid, Sani', Umm Al Amad, Laareeq, and Al Riffa. The program aims to ensure their compliance with international standards adopted by the Convention on Biological Diversity and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The program seeks to develop a transitional strategy, extending from 2025 to 2028, that includes identifying intervention priorities and administrative planning and building the capacity of the national team through practical training and specialized technical workshops to enhance the readiness of national cadres in the fields of environmental planning and management.

Katara Cultural Village has launched the “Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads” photo exhibition, which is organised in co-operation with the Katara Centre for Public Diplomacy and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).The exhibition was attended by a number of ambassadors as well as the Unesco representative for the Gulf States and Yemen and director of the Unesco Office in Doha, Salah El Din Zaki Khaled.Running until October 14, the exhibition displays 30 photos from 21 countries, selected in the international competition "Youth Lens on the Silk Roads", organised by Unesco.Katara general manager of Katara Prof Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti stressed that the exhibition reflects the close co-operation between Katara and the Unesco, confirming the mutual appreciation for culture and art, and for building bridges of communication between cultures and people.He stated that they are creating a new path inspired by the Silk Road, connecting the East to the West and the North to the South through artwork that reflects the unique human heritage of various cultures.Dr al-Sulaiti emphasised the significant role of Arabs in promoting Arab culture along this historic trade route.He also noted that the exhibition highlights Katara's ongoing efforts to foster collaboration with various organisations to promote the importance of cultural exchange, understanding, and peace among nations.Zaki Khaled described the exhibition as an expression of the Unesco's celebration of the community and cultural participation of youth through the activities of the Unesco Silk Roads Programme of the Unesco Social and Human Sciences Sector, and voiced his appreciation of the efforts of the Katara Cultural Village in co-operation and joint work.He said that through the international competition exhibition "Youth Lens on the Silk Roads", the Unesco aims to enhance youth engagement with their cultural heritage and share their ideas with the world.Zaki Khaled noted that the exhibition showcases vibrant perspectives from young artists living or travelling along historical routes, reflecting their spirit of creativity and collaboration.Speaking to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), he said the contest, in its fourth edition for 2024, received 300 applicants from 21 countries, of which 30 were selected.They completed their works that reflected the cultural heritage of their countries, which are located on the Silk Road.In a related context, photographer Abdulrahman Abdullah from Bangladesh shared that his contribution to the exhibition was inspired by a heritage festival in Katara, highlighting Qatar's cultural legacy.His photograph features a person holding a falcon, symbolising the care for heritage.Abdullah said that Katara's support for such exhibitions fosters the development of artists' talents, particularly among emerging photographers. – QNA