The Role of Women and Youth in Cultural Heritage Conservation
and Museums Innovation
Cultural heritage serves as the cornerstone of a community's identity, encapsulating the collective experiences, values, and traditions that have been passed down through generations. In the Arab region, this heritage is not only a testament to past civilizations but also a vital component of contemporary cultural expression. Women and youth play pivotal roles in preserving and revitalizing this heritage, ensuring its transmission and relevance in a rapidly changing world.
Women have traditionally been the custodians of intangible cultural heritage, encompassing oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, and craftsmanship. Their involvement in activities such as storytelling, traditional crafts, climate adaptation, and the transmission of customs has been instrumental in maintaining cultural continuity.
Youth, on the other hand, bring creativity, adaptability, and technological expertise. As digital natives, they are well-positioned to integrate new tools with traditional methods, ensuring cultural heritage remains relevant and accessible in today’s globalized society. Their enthusiasm, when channeled into heritage-focused initiatives, can transform conservation from a static practice into a dynamic force for innovation and community development.
In light of the challenges posed by globalization, technological advancements, and socio-political changes, it is imperative to explore and strengthen the roles of women and youth in cultural heritage conservation. Building upon the success of previous forums, the 5th Arab Forum for Cultural Heritage aims to provide a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of strategies to empower these key demographics in the preservation of heritage.
Objectives
The Forum seeks to achieve the following objectives:
Highlight the Contributions of Women in Heritage Preservation: Examine the multifaceted roles women play in safeguarding both tangible and intangible cultural heritage and identify ways to support and enhance their efforts.
Empower Youth Engagement: Explore strategies to actively involve young people in heritage conservation, leveraging their creativity and technological proficiency to develop innovative preservation methods.
Facilitate Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer: Promote initiatives that encourage collaboration between older and younger generations, ensuring the seamless transmission of cultural knowledge and practices.
Respond to Emerging Global and Regional Challenges: Explore how phenomena such as urbanization, migration, and globalization are impacting cultural heritage, and how inclusive approaches—especially those involving women and youth—can help communities adapt.
Promote Inclusive Policies: Advocate for policies that recognize and institutionalize the roles of women and youth in cultural heritage conservation at local, national, and regional levels.
Key Topics of Discussion
Women’s Traditional Roles in Cultural Transmission:
How have women contributed to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage within their communities?
What are the challenges faced by women in maintaining these traditions in contemporary society?
Youth as Innovators in Heritage Conservation and Museums:
In what ways can youth integrate modern technology with traditional preservation techniques?
Case studies of successful youth-led heritage projects in the Arab region.
Strategies for enhancing youth participation in museums, community heritage projects, and academic programs.
Intergenerational Dialogue and Knowledge Exchange:
Strategies to facilitate effective knowledge transfer between elders and youth.
The role of educational institutions in promoting intergenerational learning.
Cultural Resilience in a Globalized World:
Assessing the influence of global cultural trends on local traditions.
Balancing openness with the need to safeguard and revitalize unique cultural practices.
Policy Development for Inclusive Heritage Conservation:
Reviewing existing policies related to heritage preservation.
Recommendations for policy reforms to include women and youth in decision-making processes.
The event will be streamed live on ICCROM YouTube Channel, stay tuned!