The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has won the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage in its sixth edition, in the Arab category on “Best Practices in Safeguarding Cultural Heritage Elements,” for its study entitled “Member States Strategy to Enhance the Role of Culture and Heritage in Countering Climate Change.”

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, presented the award to Mr. Salem Omar Salem, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Sharjah, who received it on behalf of the Organization, in the presence of Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage. The ceremony was held on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, at the Institute’s Grand Theatre in the United Arab Emirates.

The ceremony opened with remarks by Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, who reviewed the efforts of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to safeguard cultural heritage and protect historical landmarks through projects and initiatives aimed at preserving the memory of places and oral traditions in Sharjah and various regions worldwide. For her part, Ms. Aisha Rashid Al-Hossan Al-Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage, affirmed that the Award continues to fulfill its mission by celebrating those who carry, recount and practice heritage, researchers who document and study it, and institutions and projects working to safeguard and sustain it.

ICESCO issued the study in May 2026, under the supervision of its Islamic World Heritage Center, with coordination by Dr. Bilel Chebbi, Programs Director at the Center. The study aimed to consolidate the place of culture and heritage in national and international climate and sustainable development policies and strengthen their presence in global discussions on environmental challenges, thereby supporting the use of heritage knowledge and practices in responding to the impacts of climate change.

ICESCO provides access to the entire study and its executive summary via the following links:
https://icesco.org/rjcs
https://icesco.org/sol4