H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALESCO, participated in the International Partners’ Meeting organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on September 18, 2026, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, under the theme “Improving International Coordination and Response Effectiveness to Safeguard Culture in Emergencies.”

The meeting aimed to strengthen international coordination and cooperation in protecting culture and cultural heritage during emergencies and crises, while providing a platform for the exchange of expertise and best practices on effective response mechanisms to challenges affecting tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

Discussions addressed a number of key issues, including the role of women and culture in emergencies; existing gaps in preparedness for and response to cultural emergencies; and the development of interventions in areas such as capacity-building, damage assessment of tangible and movable cultural heritage, cultural and creative industries, and living heritage.

The Director-General’s participation reflects ALESCO’s continued commitment to strengthening cooperation with relevant international and regional organizations and supporting joint efforts to protect and safeguard Arab cultural heritage, particularly in times of crisis and disaster. These efforts contribute to preserving cultural identity and enhancing the capacity of cultural institutions to respond effectively to emergencies.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for international stakeholders and specialized organizations to exchange perspectives and expertise and explore opportunities for developing future partnerships and initiatives aimed at protecting cultural heritage in emergency situations.