The Arab Forum at the ICCROM Sharjah Regional Centre is a flagship initiative that addresses the growing challenges of cultural heritage preservation in the Arab region. Established to respond to the increasing threats facing heritage, particularly from human-induced causes such as neglect, urban development, and deliberate destruction, the Forum serves as a vital platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange among professionals, scholars, and policymakers. It aims to promote an integrated approach to heritage conservation by exploring its cultural, social, and historical significance in the Arab world.
The journey began in 2018 with the first Arab Forum, "A Regional Vision to Preserve and Promote Cultural Heritage," which set the tone for this transformative initiative. Discussions focused on the threats to cultural heritage, while also underscoring how heritage can bridge societies, foster peace, and be used as a tool for resolving conflicts. It emphasized the importance of cultural heritage in the Arab world and highlighted regional challenges and strategies for its preservation.
Following the success of the inaugural Forum, the second edition in 2020, "Authenticity, Community and Conservation in the Arab Thought," further explored the diverse and rich characteristics of Arab heritage. It discussed the notion of authenticity in architectural and urban contexts, while also emphasizing the importance of living heritage and its socio-cultural dimensions.
In 2021, the Forum shifted focus to Islamic art and heritage, under the theme "Rethinking the Future of Islamic Arts and Heritage." Coinciding with the International Day of Islamic Art, it celebrated the global significance of Islamic arts and their contributions to world cultures, while also sharing fresh perspectives on their preservation and promotion.
The 2023 Forum, titled "The Culture of Built Environment & Resilience of Heritage," examined the concept of Omran (built environment) as a reflection of human interaction with the surrounding environment. It explored the resilience of historical environments and how built heritage can provide insights into future challenges. Through the Arab Forum, the ICCROM regional Center in Sharjah continues to facilitate critical dialogue on the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, fostering collaboration at both regional and international levels.
