ICCROM calls to empower women and youth in safeguarding heritage

The opening day of the Forum underscored the pivotal role of women as custodians of tradition and youth as drivers of innovation, accompanied by strong calls to ensure their inclusion in decision-making and policy development. Keynote addresses, high-level panel discussions on the roles of women and youth in heritage, and case studies highlighted forward-looking initiatives and best practices in cultural preservation.

Day two of the Forum was marked by a session exploring the role of women, youth, and local communities in cultural resilience, with inspiring case studies from the UAE, Oman, Syria, and Iraq. These examples demonstrated how traditional knowledge and community-led initiatives can ensure the survival and renewal of heritage under threat. International perspectives from the Netherlands and Mauritania showcased participatory museum practices, crafts, and heritage-based livelihoods as tools for empowerment and inclusion.

The second session delivered an important message: heritage is not only about preserving memories but can also serve as a source of sustainable livelihoods, particularly for women. It represents a valuable resource for social and economic opportunities. Participants also visited the recently inscribed UNESCO World Heritage site of Al-Faya in Sharjah, which is one of the oldest human settlements on the Arabian Peninsula. This visit connected theoretical concepts with practical application, highlighting the significance of effective heritage site management.

On the final day of the Forum, a special session, “Selected Case Study Presentations,” featured pioneering initiatives and exemplary projects from across the Arab world. It spotlighted real-world efforts that actively involve women and youth in the preservation and sustainable management of cultural heritage. This was followed by an Intergenerational Dialogue and Knowledge Exchange session, emphasizing the critical importance of connecting generations to sustain cultural memory, foster continuity, and strengthen collective identity.

The dialogue “Policy Development for Inclusive Heritage Conservation” gathered leading policymakers and representatives from UNESCO, ALECSO, and ICESCO, alongside heritage experts from Morocco and Syria. They discussed the need to align national legislation with international conventions, as well as address the challenges of protecting heritage in conflict and post-conflict contexts.

In the closing session, participants adopted a set of key recommendations, which focused on empowering youth and women as central actors in heritage protection. They highlighted the need to integrate heritage topics into curricula at all educational levels and develop vocational training programs for youth and women in conservation, documentation, and cultural entrepreneurship, as well as in media and communication, fields essential for strengthening heritage discourse and public engagement. The recommendations also emphasized the role of non-formal education, museums, and libraries in promoting a deeper community awareness of heritage, and called for initiatives targeting children and youth to reinforce intergenerational connections through cultural values.

On empowerment and inclusivity, the recommendations stressed the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for women and youth in participation, leadership, and decision-making. They urged greater documentation of women’s professional contributions to heritage preservation, the integration of marginalized groups and displaced communities into heritage policies, and the positioning of heritage as a tool for peacebuilding and social cohesion. Intergenerational dialogue initiatives and the establishment of youth platforms were also encouraged to enhance participation and knowledge exchange.

The Forum further recommended supporting youth- and women-led initiatives through seed grants and strengthening skills in marketing and cultural innovation to transform heritage into a sustainable economic resource, while encouraging storytelling and creativity in promotion strategies. The role of media and social platforms in advocacy for heritage issues was underscored, calling for greater youth and women's participation in national and international events to highlight identity and belonging.

Regarding documentation and digital innovation, participants urged the establishment of unified regional archives and digital repositories, the ethical and thoughtful use of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and spatial documentation, the preparation of regular reports on the state of heritage, and the documentation of emerging cultural initiatives. They stressed the need to bridge the expertise of tech-savvy youth with that of heritage professionals to foster innovation and develop practical digital tools.

Looking to f partnerships and future policies, the recommendations called for developing inclusive cultural policies that foster community engagement and align heritage with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while adopting sustainable financing mechanisms and contingency plans tailored to the Arab region in times of conflict and crises. They further emphasized the importance of strengthening Arab and regional cooperation through the exchange of expertise, expanding partnerships with international organizations and the private sector, and recognizing and rewarding community initiatives to ensure their long-term continuity.

For future Forums, participants recommended greater involvement of universities and institutes, the creation of a dedicated digital archive for the Forum alongside youth-oriented content such as podcasts, and organizing deeper sessions for problem-solving and creative solutions. They also proposed inviting diverse sectors beyond the heritage field, including the private sector and investors, to support initiatives financially. Finally, participants suggested launching a youth award and financially-supported women-led initiatives to enhance sustainability, reflecting the Forum’s commitment to consolidating the role of heritage in both the present and the future.

In his closing remarks, Nasir Al Darmaki, Deputy Manager of ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah, underscored the significance of the Forum, noting: “This Forum has reaffirmed the role of heritage as a bridge between generations and as a source of resilience in times of change. The insights and recommendations shared over these three days remind us that safeguarding heritage is a collective responsibility that extends beyond borders.”

He further called for action and collaboration, stating: “I urge all participants, organizations, and institutions to continue the dialogue, strengthen channels of communication, and expand the exchange of knowledge and expertise. Together, we can ensure that cultural heritage remains a living source of inspiration, resilience, and identity for future generations.”

The 5th Arab Forum for Cultural Heritage concluded with a renewed sense of collective purpose and a compelling call to action. It reaffirmed that cultural heritage is not only about safeguarding the memory of the past, but also about empowering communities to shape a sustainable and vibrant future for the Arab world. Central to this vision is the active participation of women and youth — key drivers of creativity, innovation, and resilience — whose insights and energy are essential to ensuring that heritage remains relevant and dynamic in a rapidly evolving world.