His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, witnessed the opening of the fifth edition of the Arab Forum for Cultural Heritage, organised by The International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM-Sharjah) under the theme “The Role of Women and Youth in Preserving Cultural Heritage and Museum Innovation.” The event took place at the headquarters of the Centre of International Organisations for Cultural Heritage (ICOCH) in Sharjah University City.
The ceremony began with the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates, after which Nasir Al Darmaki, Deputy Manager of the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah, delivered a speech welcoming His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for honouring the opening of the forum, continuing his unlimited support for all heritage and cultural events, and reflecting the importance of shared responsibility in safeguarding cultural heritage.
Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations, delivered a speech in which he pointed out that the concept of heritage is not merely old buildings or preserved artefacts, but a living value shaped in memory, customs and practices, acquiring its true meaning from human beings as carriers of memory and narrators of the story.
In a recorded message, Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral, Director-General of ICCROM, expressed her gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his inspiring vision and continuous support for the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah, as well as for various cultural and heritage events at all levels.
His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, during his speech at the opening of the forum, pointed to the continuous role of cultural heritage in shaping the collective identity of the Arab world and strengthening its presence. He noted that Sharjah attaches paramount importance to involving women and youth in all heritage programmes and projects, recognising them as the true safety valve for the continuity of this legacy and the bridge between the past and the future.
His Excellency Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to His Highness the President of the UAE, delivered a keynote address entitled “Youth, Heritage and the Future of Cultural Resilience in the Arab World.” In his speech, he discussed the evolving roles of women in transmitting traditions and the creative youth in preserving, reviving, and transforming cultural heritage, which is regarded as a living memory of civilisation and the language spoken by society members. He also emphasised the use of technology and digital tools to access and engage with local and global cultural heritage.
During the ceremony, attendees listened to a musical segment performed on the qanun instrument, during which several Emirati musical pieces were presented. At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah graciously took commemorative photos with the forum's guests.