Cultural Relations Prepares Final UNESCO Report on Promoting Cultural Diversity

In line with its commitment to safeguarding and promoting cultural diversity, Iraq is preparing its second national report for UNESCO. The General Department of Cultural Relations, under the supervision of Director General Dr. Alaa Abu Al-Hassan Al-Alaq, recently organised a workshop focused on the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

Assistant Director General for Cultural Affairs, Mr. Khader Khalaf Shihab, emphasised the significance of this report as a key national milestone. He highlighted that it would showcase Iraq’s cultural achievements, including initiatives such as the “Baghdad Capital of Arab Culture” project. These efforts, along with initiatives to preserve endangered cultural heritage, will be central to the report.

Mr. Hassan Saleh Ali, the official responsible for the convention’s file and Iraq’s national contact point with UNESCO, discussed the report’s contents. He covered the range of cultural and artistic activities, media and digital diversity, and strategic planning that Iraq has implemented in line with the convention.

Iraq last submitted a report to UNESCO in 2017. This report led to the organisation of a conference focused on preserving cultural heritage in areas liberated from conflict. The outcome included the adoption of an action plan aimed at protecting Iraq’s archaeological sites, museums, religious heritage, and historic cities.

This upcoming report is expected to highlight Iraq’s ongoing commitment to preserving its rich cultural history in collaboration with international bodies.

Source: Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities