ISESCO regional office concludes 2024 with more than 50 events

In 2024, the office organized over 50 local and international events, benefiting thousands of participants from both member and non-member states.

These events emphasized the role of arts and heritage in promoting sustainable development, leading to strategic partnerships with esteemed international organizations such as ICCROM-Sharjah and the Arab Parliament for the Child (APC). This underscores ISESCO’s pioneering efforts in connecting cultural heritage with development.

Economically, the office made a significant impact at both the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival and the Mekkah Entrepreneurship Forum, showcasing its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

In education, the office took part in the World Conference on Education in Culture and Arts held in Abu Dhabi, spotlighting the vital role of cultural education. Additionally, it contributed to shaping educational policies by presenting a comprehensive action plan for 2024-2025.

A highlight of the year was the "Young Climate Leaders" camp, which aimed to hone leadership and project management skills related to sustainability. The camp featured innovative environmental projects that were showcased at the Conference of the Parties (COP 29).

The office also participated in the Dubai Future Forum 2024, where it shared strategic insights into how artificial intelligence can boost sustainable development.

Throughout the year, a number of workshops integrated art with health awareness, including the "Art of Islamic Gilding" workshop, which celebrated traditional crafts as vital components of Islamic heritage.

The ISESCO Regional Office in Sharjah had a notable presence in various international and regional meetings and festivals in 2024, reinforcing its role as a key player in advancing cultural and scientific cooperation.

At the Sharjah International Book Fair, the office presented its goals and recent publications in the fields of culture and education, engaging the public effectively.

Moreover, the office celebrated education by participating in a ceremony honoring students who excelled in Arabic language competitions for the Gulf countries. This event was linked to scientific research through a symposium marking the thirtieth excavation season at Jebel Al Buhais and Jebel Al Faya, which reviewed the long-term impact of archaeological findings on understanding human adaptation and the environment.

In line with sustainable development efforts, the office took part in a workshop titled "Tax Foundations for Sustainability of Economic Practices" and participated in the Seventh Ajman International Environment Conference. These initiatives aimed to enhance awareness about the sustainable management of environmental resources.

The office also played a crucial role in the launch ceremony of StarDust Company, which fosters collaboration in the field of space, and attended the first Sharjah International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Linguistics, discussing the intersection of technology and language.

Additionally, it hosted a meeting for the Arab Organisation for Research and Education Networks to improve digital infrastructure in academic research, along with a workshop on computer models and agricultural intelligence that explored artificial intelligence techniques in modern agriculture.

Strengthening institutional relations was another focus, highlighted by the second meeting aimed at discussing the regional offices' work and enhancing collaboration between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the ISESCO Regional Office.

Women’s empowerment was spotlighted at the Women in Technology Forum, while the ISESCO Conference of Education Ministers addressed innovative educational practices.

At the close of the year, His Excellency Salem Omar Salem, Director of the ISESCO Regional Office in Sharjah, emphasized that 2024 marked a significant turning point for the office’s efforts to enrich cultural and scientific dialogue. He noted the introduction of initiatives designed to create a positive impact on societies, aspiring to build a sustainable future that reflects the aspirations of member states and aligns with the Organization's vision.