Six international entities to help Sharjah safeguard cultural heritage

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the Centre of International Organisations for Cultural Heritage at the University City in Sharjah on Sunday.

The centre features six international organisations that will work together to enhance communication and cultural exchange and promote the authenticity of their culture.

Dr Abdul Aziz Al Musallam, chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), said: "We are delighted to provide an avenue where different organisations can come together to reflect diverse elements of their heritage. The centre seeks to be an outlet where individuals can exchange ideas and educate themselves on aspects that are vital part of the nation's heritage. One's culture is deeply ingrained in their nation's fabric and this centre seeks to imbibeit in the people."

Among the organisations that have partnered with the centre include the ICCROM-ATHAR (Architectural and Archaeological Tangible Heritage in the Arab Region) which aims to protect cultural heritage in the Arab region and to broaden access, appreciation and understanding of its rich history.

Zhejiang Gongshang University, a public higher education institution that focuses on the fields of social science, has also been opened in the centre to promote international exchanges and cooperation while also making an effort to boost the internalisation of education.

Another organisation, the International Organisation for Folk Art (IOV), with the mission to protect, preserve and promote all forms of folk art and folk culture as elements of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).

The International Council of Organisations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF), a non-governmental organisation in partnership with UNESCO, is accredited to provide advisory service to the committee of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of ICH. By coming under the umbrella of the SIH, the organisation aims to preserve, promote and help in the dissemination of art and folklore.

Another organisation partnering with the SIH is the Olympias. Giochi Tradizionali Della Sardegna®, a scientific project created to safeguard the intangible heritage of Sardinian and Mediterranean traditional games. The project enhances and promotes the practice of traditional game by involving children and youth through specific educational programmes.

Joining hands will also be the National Institute of Archeology and Heritage, which gives continuous training and scientific research in archaeology and heritage and related fields.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com