ICCROM kicks off capacity building programme for recovering urban heritage in Mosul

On 26 July 2021, ICCROM organized an online information meeting to mark the start of training being delivered within the framework of the Capacity Building for Holistic, Sustainable and Resilient Heritage Recovery of Mosul project, in partnership with UNESCO and with generous financial support by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the European Union (EU).

During his opening remarks, Director-General Webber Ndoro stressed that the goal of ICCROM’s capacity building initiative is to empower the youth of Mosul to reconnect with their heritage and rebuild their city with dignity and pride. The Director General’s inaugural address was followed by speeches by Mr Paolo Fontani, Director of UNESCO Iraq office, and representatives from the Iraqi Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, and the University of Mosul.

ICCROM presented an overview of the project, including an outline of the first round of training dedicated to building professionals, and another launching soon dedicated to craftspeople. After an inspiring and engaging discussion among the different community representatives and experts, Ms Barbara Egger, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Iraq, and Her Excellency, Ms Salma Khalifa Salem Khalfan Aldarmaki, Secretary General of UAE National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, gave closing remarks and thanked ICCROM for its ongoing efforts to help recover the heritage of Mosul.