The 5th Arab Forum for Cultural Heritage, organized by ICCROM through its Regional Centre in Sharjah, concluded today with a powerful call to empower women and youth as central actors in protecting and revitalizing heritage. Over three days of exchange, cultural leaders, policymakers, and practitioners came together to reaffirm that safeguarding heritage is not only about preserving the past but also shaping sustainable and resilient futures.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Sharjah, Forum that provided an important platform for dialogue and cooperation, with His Highness joining the event in person.
H.E. Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Government Relations Department in Sharjah, delivered a welcoming speech in which he emphasized that heritage is not just about old buildings or preserved artifacts; it is a living value shaped by memory, customs, and practices. His remarks set the tone for discussions, highlighting the need to see heritage as a dynamic force embedded in everyday life.
The event underscored ICCROM’s commitment to supporting Member States in strengthening capacity, building inclusive societies, and connecting knowledge with action in the Arab Region.
Heritage as a source of resilience and livelihoods
The Forum highlighted the pivotal role of women as custodians of tradition and youth as drivers of innovation, with strong calls for greater inclusion in leadership, decision-making and policy development. Case studies from across the region and beyond illustrated how traditional knowledge and community-led initiatives are contributing to cultural resilience, while perspectives from international organizations complemented the discussions by highlighting efforts to engage in dialogue and develop policies to better enable participatory practices, innovation and heritage-based livelihoods as tools for empowerment.
An important message emerging from the discussions was that heritage is a living resource for sustainable livelihoods and social cohesion holding strong social and economic value, but there is significant work to be done to connect women and youth with training opportunities, access to knowledge and exchange, and access to financing to launch and sustain initiatives.
Key Insights from the Forum
At the closing session, participants provided feedback that will guide key recommendations coming out of the Forum. They called for stronger youth and women’s leadership in heritage protection through:
Education & Training: Integrating heritage into schools, expanding vocational opportunities, and fostering intergenerational learning.
Empowerment: Supporting youth- and women-led initiatives, ensuring equal leadership roles, and promoting storytelling to strengthen identity.
Digital Innovation: Creating regional archives, responsibly using AI, and linking tech-savvy youth with heritage professionals.
Sustainability & Partnerships: Connecting heritage with the SDGs, securing sustainable financing, and recognizing community-led efforts.
For future Forums, they suggested having deeper engagement with universities, research institutes, and private investors, while promoting creative exchanges, youth awards, and financially supported women-led projects for lasting impact.
ICCROM’s role in the Arab region
The 5th Arab Forum reaffirmed ICCROM’s role as a convener and capacity builder, supporting Member States to protect their cultural heritage while addressing urgent challenges. Over the course of three days, participants shared insights and recommendations that emphasized safeguarding heritage as a collective responsibility extending beyond borders.
The Forum called on all participants, organizations, and institutions to maintain momentum by continuing dialogue, strengthening communication channels, and expanding the exchange of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that cultural heritage remains a living source of inspiration, resilience, and identity for future generations.
By placing women and youth at the centre of heritage action, ICCROM continues to strengthen the link between heritage, sustainable development, and resilience.
The 5th Arab Forum for Cultural Heritage concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and collaboration, underlining that cultural heritage is not only about safeguarding memory, but also about empowering communities to shape a vibrant and inclusive future for the Arab world and beyond.
