The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) participated in the Second Meeting on Combating the Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property, held at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States. ALECSO was represented by Mr. Abdelhadi Ghemari, Coordinator of Culture and Heritage Projects at the Culture Department.

This participation forms part of ALECSO’s institutional role in supporting Arab efforts to protect cultural property and safeguard cultural heritage, as well as in strengthening the legal and institutional frameworks needed to combat the illicit trafficking of antiquities, artifacts, and items of historical and cultural significance.

The meeting was of particular importance in the context of enhancing Arab cooperation in the recovery of looted cultural property, curbing smuggling and illicit trade, and reinforcing legal principles related to the protection of cultural heritage in accordance with international conventions and applicable national legislation.

ALECSO’s participation also contributed to the exchange of perspectives and expertise on mechanisms for preventing the illicit trafficking of cultural property and strengthening coordination among relevant authorities. These efforts aim to enhance the protection of Arab cultural heritage and safeguard the rights of States and peoples to their cultural legacy.

ALECSO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting joint Arab action in the field of tangible cultural heritage protection and promoting institutional and legal cooperation aimed at safeguarding cultural property, ensuring respect for its historical and civilizational value, and protecting it from all forms of illicit exploitation, thereby ensuring its preservation and transmission to future generations.