The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is currently organizing a regional training session on preparing inventory lists of heritage elements, and nomination files for inscription in heritage lists. The session being held in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, aims to provide professionals in the field of heritage from Egypt and Yemen with the necessary skills to prepare inventory lists of heritage elements and nomination files for inscription in heritage lists. The five-day training session, opened on Thursday 18 January 2024, at the Supreme Council of Culture in Cairo, Egypt.

Key participants included Dr. Nahla Imam, Advisor to the Egyptian Minister of Culture for Intangible Heritage Affairs and Chair of the Board of Trustees of “Beit Al-Turath” (Heritage House), Mr. Ameer Al-Darouss, Permanent Undersecretary at the Ministry of Culture, and Dr. Sherif Salah, representing Dr. Sherif Saleh, Supervisor of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture.

Representing ICESCO, Dr. Osama Al Nahas, expert at ICESCO’s Culture and Communication Sector, emphasized the Organization’s keenness to preserve heritage, not only as a means of safeguarding identity, but also as a driving force for sustainable development. Additionally, Dr. Al Nahas highlighted ICESCO’s initiative to integrate culture as the 18th of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Furthermore, the Expert noted the session’s alignment with ICESCO’s efforts to build the capacities of professionals in heritage-related fields within the Organization’s Member States. Moreover, Dr. Al Nahas stated that ICESCO has thus far successfully registered 631 elements and sites on its Islamic world heritage lists, contributing to their protection and ensuring their optimal use to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.