Dimasheq – Culture
The Ministry of Culture and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) discussed ways to strengthen joint cooperation in the fields of rehabilitating archaeological sites and museums, training national personnel, and preparing for a cultural conference dedicated to heritage recovery and the revitalization of Syrian culture.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Deputy Minister of Culture Saad Naasan and Paolo Fontan, Director of UNESCO’s Regional Office for Syria and Lebanon, in the presence of a number of ministry and UNESCO officials. The two sides discussed mechanisms for expanding cooperation on cultural heritage preservation projects, rehabilitating archaeological sites, enhancing the capabilities of local personnel and integrating them into the labor market, in addition to laying the initial groundwork for the upcoming cultural conference.
Fontan reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Syria in the fields of culture, education, and heritage protection. He highlighted the organization’s interest in supporting rehabilitation projects for the Citadel of Aleppo and the National Museum of Aleppo, alongside programs to train national professionals and create employment opportunities, contributing to efforts toward cultural recovery. He also stressed the importance of utilizing available technical expertise and accelerating practical steps to prepare for a comprehensive cultural conference aimed at revitalizing Syrian culture and strengthening its presence.
For his part, the Deputy Minister of Culture welcomed the UNESCO delegation, affirming the ministry’s readiness to broaden cooperation with the organization across various cultural fields, particularly in the rehabilitation of heritage sites and the development of national personnel. He noted that the ministry is currently preparing an integrated vision for the upcoming cultural conference in a manner that achieves its objectives and strengthens its role in supporting the cultural sector.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides agreed to continue joint coordination and hold a preparatory meeting in the coming period to finalize the technical and organizational aspects of the conference, in coordination with the relevant authorities. This will pave the way for launching joint cultural and heritage projects during the next phase.
