On November 27, ICCROM’s Director-General, Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral, met with Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah's Department of Government Relations (DGR), and Sheikh Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of DGR, at the House of Wisdom in Sharjah.
The meeting focused on the key role of ICCROM’s Regional Centre in Sharjah in preserving cultural heritage across the Arab region, catalyzing on ICCROM global best practices. Discussions also emphasized DGR’s role and efforts to strengthen connections between local and international cultural institutions, promote collaboration and innovative solutions and develop strategies to safeguard cultural heritage in all its forms.
Director-General Gujral highlighted ICCROM’s mission and commitment to enhance the capacity of experts, communities and government institutions to preserve heritage sustainably, emphasizing its key role as the accelerator of economic, cultural, environmental and social development.
Sheikh Fahim reaffirmed DGR’s commitment to supporting cultural initiatives for younger generations and strengthening international organizations’ regional centers and hubs in Sharjah, aligning with the Emirate’s vision.
The ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah continues to play a vital role in protecting and promoting the conservation of cultural heritage in the Arab Region through capacity building, academic curricula, workshops and regional cooperation. Notably, its biennial ICCROM-Sharjah Award for Good Practices in Cultural Heritage Conservation recognizes outstanding preservation projects.