Forum in Diriyah
discusses role of private sector in cultural preservation
On September 11, 2023,
a historic event unfolded as UNESCO and the UN Global Compact embarked on a
significant dialogue in Saudi Arabia's Diriyah, known as "The City of
Earth," to advance the preservation and promotion of the world's cultural
and natural heritage.
During the UNESCO
World Heritage Committee session in Riyadh, spanning from September 10 to
September 25, 2023, UNESCO and the UN Global Compact (UNGC) Saudi Arabia
Network came together to host a groundbreaking Forum at At-Turaif, Diriyah.
This Forum aimed to acknowledge the substantial potential of the private sector
in creating a roadmap for effective, innovative, and resilient partnerships
that enhance accessibility while safeguarding global heritage.
Diriyah
emerges as Saudi PIF’s 5th giga-project
Driven by the belief
that the corporate sector can play a pivotal role in making natural and
cultural heritage more accessible, this Forum sought to brainstorm and devise
effective, innovative, and tangible partnerships that could focus efforts on
safeguarding the world's most significant heritage sites.
The Forum gathered a
diverse group of business leaders from across the Gulf States for roundtable
discussions addressing "World Heritage and Climate Change" and
"Priority Africa and World Heritage." Approximately 40 company
representatives, UN Global Compact members, World Heritage Committee experts,
and representatives from the Ministry of Culture participated in these
discussions, contemplating the next steps in collaboration.
The outcomes of this
significant meeting will be presented at a side-event to the World Heritage
Committee on September 12, extending its impact to the States Parties.
Hosted by Diriyah,
this forum represents a remarkable opportunity to secure increased engagement
from key stakeholders who make substantial contributions to Saudi Arabia's
Vision 2030. Furthermore, it aligns with Diriyah's aspiration to become a
global hub, celebrating the rich heritage, culture, and hospitality of the
Kingdom.
Lazare Eloundou
Assomo, Director of UNESCO World Heritage Center, expressed, "This Forum
is a great opportunity to further engage the private sector as partners to
collaborate with us as we work towards protecting our shared World Heritage and
achieving Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and future generations."
Ibrahim Al-Helali,
Executive Director of UNGC Saudi Arabia, noted, "The UN GC Network in
Saudi Arabia, alongside our valued partner UNESCO, is proud to lead the way in
recognizing the pivotal role of the private sector in preserving our cherished
cultural and natural heritage. Together, we are forging a path toward sustainability,
resilience, and a brighter future for heritage sites worldwide, driven by our
unwavering commitment to corporate responsibility and the Sustainable
Development Goals."
Jerry Inzerillo, Group
CEO of Diriyah, expressed enthusiasm for hosting the 45th Session of the UNESCO
World Heritage Committee, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural
heritage and traditions to connect future generations with their roots and
foster community and enrichment.
Both UNESCO and the UN
Global Compact remain dedicated to realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development. World Heritage stands as a vital element in achieving development
goals, promoting tolerance, respect, and empowerment of women, youth, and
communities while preserving our shared cultural and natural treasures.
Source: https://saudigazette.com.sa/
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