HRH Crown Prince attends the 42nd meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee

Manama, June 24 (BNA): On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, today attended the inauguration of the 42nd meeting of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee, held at Bahrain National Museum. Taking place between 24 June and 4 July, the meeting is held under the patronage of HM King Hamad and organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and the International Centre for the Study of the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM). HRH the Crown Prince affirmed that the opportunity to host the 42nd edition of this event reflects an important milestone in the Kingdom’s efforts to promote its long-standing historical and cultural identity underpinned by HM the King’s continuous support. HRH the Crown Prince highlighted that ongoing collaboration between UNESCO and Bahrain has resulted in the inclusion of two of the Kingdom’s sites on the World Heritage List, noting that Bahrain’s strong cultural heritage plays a key role in the country’s development. HRH the Crown Prince concluded by praising UNESCO’s efforts in documenting world history, heritage, and culture while strengthening knowledge sharing between member states. HE Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Chair of the Bahrain Culture and Antiques Authority affirmed that, through the support of HM the King and the government led by HRH the Prime Minster, Bahrain remains an important location within UNESCO’s World Heritage List. HE Shaikha Haya bint Rashed Al Khalifa, Chair of the 42nd Session of the World Heritage Committee, also delivered a speech welcoming the participants to the meeting. The Director General of UNESCO, Mrs. Audrey Azoulay, emphasised the importance of preserving culture in a fast paced world and noted the significance of hosting the World Heritage Committee in an Arab country given the region’s rich history and culture. In this regard, Mrs. Azoulay praised Bahrain’s efforts to preserve its history and cultural sites, including the Bahrain Pearling Trail and Qal’at Al Bahrain, as well as the Kingdom’s hosting of the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage headquarters. The President of the Executive Board of UNESCO, HE Lee Byong Hyun, affirmed UNESCO’s commitment to preserving heritage sites and natural culture given their key role in shaping global culture and natural heritage that reflects the very best of a nation’s spirit and identity.