Mohammed bin Rashid: We join our brothers in the African continent to celebrate their unity and ancient history

UAE supports World Heritage conservation projects in Africa

  • The UAE Minister of Culture during an event held by the African Group at UNESCO at the organization's headquarters in the French capital, Paris. From the source

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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated Africa on the occasion of "Africa Day", and said in a tweet on his official account in "Twitter": "On the occasion of Africa Day, we join our brothers in the African continent to celebrate their unity, ancient history and rich culture."

The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Culture and Youth, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced financial support for projects aimed at preserving world heritage and documents and developing and qualifying capacities and cadres in Africa, in partnership with the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIF) and the African World Heritage Fund.

This came during an event held by the African Group at UNESCO at the Organization's headquarters in the French capital, Paris, in conjunction with the celebration of "Africa Day", which falls on May 25 of each year and "Africa Week", in the presence of Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture and Youth, Fermin Edward Matuko, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO for Africa Priority and External Relations, Soaibo Farisso, Executive Director of the African World Heritage Fund, and Valerie Ferland, Executive Director of the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIFA). In addition to a number of ambassadors, permanent delegates, delegates of African countries to UNESCO, representatives of non-governmental organizations and the private sector.

Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture and Youth, affirmed the UAE's commitment to preserving and protecting human heritage in all its forms, and strengthening partnerships with international organizations active in this field, believing in the importance of preserving this heritage for future generations, and the role it plays in achieving greater rapprochement between peoples within the framework of intercultural dialogue, and establishing the values of tolerance, coexistence and peace.

He said: "Working to preserve the world heritage in Africa is of particular importance, because of the cultural momentum and civilizational heritage that this continent enjoys, which constitutes an important part of human history and culture, and therefore the preservation of these capabilities mainly supports the preservation of its identity and cultural roots."

Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, pointed out that the launch of this fund in Africa is of great cultural importance, as we celebrate not only the living African culture and its vibrant spirit, but also a day to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity, known today as the African Union, due to the role of this historic cooperation in promoting and concerted efforts to preserve and sustain Africa's rich heritage.

Vice President:

"We affirm our keenness to strengthen relations with African countries, for a bright future for all."

"Best wishes to all those celebrating this occasion in Africa and around the world."