In a recent meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabian Minister of Culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, discussed potential collaboration avenues with the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Audrey Azoulay.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 45th extended session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, hosted by the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture commended UNESCO’s efforts in conserving and safeguarding global heritage. He emphasized the Kingdom’s keen interest and aspiration to host UNESCO’s World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development (Mondiacult) in its upcoming 2025 edition.
During the discussions, both parties reviewed existing and future areas of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and UNESCO, focusing on the conservation and protection of world heritage. The Kingdom further affirmed its support for UNESCO’s initiatives directed at aiding Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
In addition, the Saudi Culture Minister deliberated on the projects of the Saudi Fund in UNESCO aimed at bolstering the protection and enhancement of culture and heritage. The Kingdom reiterated its continuous support for projects and programs proposed by the organization.
Saudi Arabia, with its rich history and vast cultural heritage, has been active in recent years in promoting and safeguarding its cultural sites.
The collaboration with UNESCO underpins the Kingdom’s commitment to the global cause of heritage protection. UNESCO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, has been at the forefront of identifying, protecting, and preserving world heritage.
Meetings such as these not only fortify international cooperation but also spotlight the pressing need to shield our shared global heritage against various threats. The 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Riyadh underscores Saudi Arabia’s active role in these global endeavors.
