The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) launched the International Conference on Managing Heritage in Conflict and Post-Conflict Situations in the Islamic World on 4 May 2026, at its headquarters in Rabat. Held under the gracious patronage of Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation of Azerbaijan, the conference witnessed the official announcement of the winners of the ICESCO–Azerbaijan Natavan Heritage Excellence Award.

The opening session of the two-day conference began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a speech by Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, delivered on her behalf by Mr. Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Executive Director of the Foundation. In her address, she stressed that the restoration projects implemented by the Foundation reflect Azerbaijan’s firm commitment to civilizational dialogue and the protection of universal values, underlining that the partnership between the Foundation and ICESCO lies at the heart of a shared vision for safeguarding cultural heritage.

Her Royal Highness Princess Dana Firas, President of the Petra National Trust and Vice-President of ICOMOS, highlighted that heritage preservation is, at its core, an ethical commitment to humanity and its history, emphasizing that heritage constitutes a vital force in enhancing communities’ resilience, adaptability, and capacity to shape narratives.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, marked the 44th anniversary of the Organization’s establishment, recalling a journey of dedicated efforts that plans for the future while offering a legacy that endures through time. He stressed that heritage is not merely a narrative of the past, but a living record of the present and the future.

Dr. AlMalik noted that amid conflicts, heritage suffers as an extended memory preserving the history of nations, a challenge faced by more than 19 countries affected by conflict in the Islamic world. This has resulted in the inclusion of over 27 World Heritage sites on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

He outlined ICESCO’s efforts to revitalize heritage as a means of opening new horizons for development, restoring social cohesion, and supporting stability, through field missions and the development of an integrated plan to safeguard and rehabilitate more than 120 heritage sites in the city of Shusha and the Karabakh region in Azerbaijan, as well as by advancing recovery programs in the Syrian Arab Republic and a number of Member States. He concluded by expressing his appreciation to His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev and to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for assuming responsibility for advancing culture.

For his part, Mr. Hani Al Hayek, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of the State of Palestine, reviewed his country’s experience in heritage preservation, affirming that discussing cultural heritage is not a luxury, but a discussion of identity, memory, and existence. He emphasized that heritage is not merely stones or landmarks, but a living record of history and a fundamental tool for resilience.

In his address, Mr. Charaf Ahmimed, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Maghreb and Representative to Maghreb Countries, stated that when heritage sites are destroyed, collections are looted, and traditions are disrupted, it is not only monuments that are at risk; it is the very fabric of society.

The session concluded with the announcement of the winners of the ICESCO–Azerbaijan Natavan Heritage Excellence Award. Participants then toured a photographic exhibition entitled “Reimagining: Best Practices in Post-Conflict Recovery,” followed by the launch of the conference’s discussion sessions.