13:00 - 11:30
11:00 - 9:30
12:45 - 11:15
16:30 - 16:15
OVERVIEW OF THE FORUM
Context
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, In collaboration with UNESCO and the participation of international organizations including UNDIROIT, ICOM, ICOMOS, ICCROM, World Customs Organization, ALIPH, Antiquities Coalition, and ICESCO is organizing an International Forum on Cultural Heritage & Knowledge Development: Fostering a Culture of Integrated Protection on May 1st and 2nd, 2025, in Abu Dhabi.
In February 2024, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi hosted the International Conference on Culture and Arts Education, convened by UNESCO in Abu Dhabi This Conference brought together Ministers of Culture and Education from around the world and culminated in the finalization of the UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education. The World Conference issued the final version of the Framework, with a special emphasis on supporting Member States in its implementation.
Coinciding with the UAE Year of Community, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi is committed to championing the protection of cultural heritage, recognizing its vital role in fostering creativity, identity, and sustainable socio-economic and environmental development. Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi believes that through Cultural Heritage & Knowledge Development, it can empower communities to actively participate in the preservation and promotion of their cultural legacy, ensuring its enduring value and relevance in an ever-evolving world.
In this context, and in continuation of the outcomes of last year's World Conference, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi in collaboration with UNESCO and in partnership with other international organizations, is pleased to announce the organization of the International Forum to implement the UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education, with a particular focus on Cultural Heritage Protection embedded in the core principles of International Cultural Heritage Conventions.
This effort includes outreach and a comprehensive capacity-building program. In doing so, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi is taking the lead in recognizing the crucial role of Cultural Heritage as an integral part of broader cultural initiatives, directly linked to contemporary creative cultural development and UN sustainable development goals.
This is key to exploring the role and significance of Cultural Heritage as a fundamental element of a broader Culture Education framework.
PROGRAMME
Day 01 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Opening: Abu Dhabi - A Catalyst for Culture & Knowledge Development
Opening remarks by hosting country and Representation from International Organisations, with Keynote speeches focusing on:
The UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education –one year from its endorsement.
Keynotes & Speakers for the session:
Welcoming Remarks, Ms. Rita Aoun, Department of Culture and Tourism –Abu Dhabi - Culture Sector Executive Director
Keynote 1:
HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, the Chairman of Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
Keynote 2:
Mr. Ernesto Ottone, UNESCO ADG for Culture
Speeches by Professional International Organizations:
HRH Princess Dana Firas, ICOMOS International Vice President, ICOMOS Jordan President, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Heritage
Ms. Medea Ekner, ICOM Director General
Presenter:
Ms. Amna Saif, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
SESSION 1
The UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education (UFCAE) and
Its Implementation
Day 01 11:30 - 13:00
Integrating culture into education policies and programmes is essential for ensuring the right to cultural participation and holistic human development. Prioritizing cultural education within education systems, engaging with cultural institutions, and recognizing its cultural values can enhance quality education. Experiences from the UAE and GCC offer valuable insights into implementing this approach.
Speakers for the session:
HE Asmaa Al Hammadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Creative Development, Ministry of Culture, UAE
Ms. Sharifa Musa, Advisor, Ministry of Education, UAE
Dr. Salman Al-Mahari, Director General of Archaeology, Kingdom of Bahrain
Mr. Abdul Rahman Al Nuaimi, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
Dr. Rose-Marie Ferre, Sorbonne University, Abu Dhabi
Ms. Paz Portales, Culture and Arts Education, UNESCO
Co-chairs:
Dr. Zaki Aslan, Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
Ms. Paz Portales, UNESCO
SESSION 2
Digital Transformation in Culture and
Arts Education
Day 01 15:00 - 16:30
This session explores how emerging digital tools, AI, and immersive technologies are revolutionizing cultural education, improving accessibility to cultural knowledge and heritage, and enhancing people’s engagement. These advancements contribute significantly to the UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education.
Speakers for the session:
Ms. Munerah Al Rasheed, World Customs Organization
Mr. Mohamed Ziane Bouziane, Culture Sector, UNESCO
Prof. Salwa Mikdadi, NYUAD
Dr. Ayman Soliman, CultNat, Library of Alexandria
Ms. Moza Al Marzoua,Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
Mr. Abdullatif Al-Jasmi, Qatar Museums
Dr. Ona Vileikis, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
Co-chairs:
Dr. Mario Santana, Carleton University
Dr. Ona Vileikis, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
PROGRAMME
Opening Session for Day 2
Day 02 9:15 - 9:30 AM
This session will feature a keynote speech on: Integrating Cultural Heritage into Higher Education: Abu Dhabi’s Leadership in Advancing Culture Education Policies and Programs. The session will emphasize the importance of inspiring Emiratis and international students to view cultural heritage as a driver of creativity, entrepreneurship, and national pride. It will also encourage interdisciplinary programs development that connect culture with technology, sustainability, and digital humanities.
Keynote 3:
HE Dr. Zaki Nusseibeh, President of UAEU
Presenter for Day 2:
Dr. Zaki Aslan, Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
SESSION 3
Enhancing Policy, Governance, Collaboration, and Legal Frameworks for Cultural Heritage Protection
This session will examine legal, policy, and governance mechanisms for safeguarding cultural heritage, focusing on international conventions, national policies, and best practices. It will highlight the role of legal frameworks in protecting heritage, emphasizing rights, responsibilities, and sustainable cultural education while also addressing global and national legal obligations.
Speakers for the session:
Ms. Marina Schneider, UNIDROIT
Ms. Tess Davis, Antiquities Coalition
Dr. Bilel Chabbi, ICESCO
Mr. Firas Al-Momani, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Legal Department
HE Shatha Al-Mulla, Ministry of Culture
Dr. Maamoun Abdelkarim, University of Sharjah
Co-chairs:
Dr. Ridha Fraoua, Federal Office of Justice in Switzerland
Ms. Marina Schneider, UNIDROIT
SESSION 4
Cultural Heritage in Danger –Risk Management Strategies
Day 02 11:15 - 12:45
This session will explore practical strategies for preserving heritage in the face of conflict, natural disasters, and climate change, and how these strategies can contribute to culture education. It will focus on the fundamental principles embedded in international conventions and legal frameworks that address emergency measures, repatriation efforts, and the protection of cultural property during crises. Special attention will be given to the GCC region.
Speakers for the session:
Ms. Aparna Tandon, ICCROM
Ms. Sophie Delepierre, ICOM
Mr. Michal Wosinski, ICOMOS Representative at Blue Shield International
Mr. Ayub Al-Bousaidi, Ministry of Heritage & Tourism, Oman
Ms. Eleonora Bosetto, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Collections Department
Co-chairs:
Ms. Amel Chabbi, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
Dr. Alessandro Chechi, Catholic University of Lille and University of Siena
SESSION 5
The Future of Cultural Heritage and Community Development
This session explores the future of cultural heritage protection, focusing on emerging trends, innovative practices, and the critical role of international cooperation. We will examine how culture and cultural heritage policy, culture education, and community engagement can ensure long-term sustainability. The objectives of the UNESCO framework show how cultural heritage can contribute to the culture education through this social dimension.
Speakers for the session:
Dr. Christian Ost, ICOMOS
Dr. Hasan Ashkanani, Kuwait National Council for Culture, Arts & Letters
Ms. Manal Ataya, Sharjah Museums Authority
Mr. Omar Al Kaabi, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Culture Sector
Mr. Pablo Guayasamin, Culture Sector, UNESCO
Co-chairs:
Mr. Pablo Guayasamin, UNESCO
Dr. Arwa Badran
CLOSING SESSION
Conclusions & Recommendations
Day 02 16:15 - 16:30
A set of actionable recommendations or a roadmap that aligns with UNESCO’s global policies is to be proposed to guide stakeholders in integrating culture and education in their sustainable development efforts.
In addition, and as a follow-up to the UNESCO World Conference on Culture and Arts Education 2024, DCT Abu Dhabi will be launching pioneering initiatives to catalyse the implementation of the UNESCO Framework for Culture Education. This effort includes outreach and a comprehensive capacity-building programme.
Speakers:
Scientific Committee Members
Chair:
Dr. Zaki Aslan, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Advisor, Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
Jean-Louis Luxen
Former Secretary General of ICOMOS, Senior Legal Expert for the Euromed Heritage program (2008-2014)
Architectural Conservation and Sustainability, Carleton University (Ottawa, Canada)
Dr. Ridha Fraoua
Former Head of the Legislation Division in the Federal Office of Justice, Switzerland
Independent Researcher and Consultant in Museums and Heritage, and Guest Lecturer at Durham University
Principal Legal Officer and Treaty Depositary, UNIDROIT
Interpretation Section Head, Education & Outreach, Culture Sector, DCT
Adjunct Professor, Catholic University of Lille and University of Siena
Cultural Heritage Expert
Adv. Marina Schneider
Dr.
Prof. Mario Santana Quintero
Dr. Alessandro Chechi
Dr. Musa Al Hawari
Dr. Arwa Badran
Dr. Zaki Aslan
Dr. Tamar Teneishvilli
DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE AND TOURISM - ABU DHABI
ORGANISING COMMITTEE
Consultants and Collaborators:
Dr. Zaki Aslan
Dr. Musa Al Hawari
Ali Abu Amer Maha Kilani
Dr. Tamar Teishvilli Enas Qasem
Dr. Alessandro Chechi
Dima Banat
PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS
ALIPH
Antiquities Coalition
Blue Shield International Committee
Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
ICCROM
ICOM
ICOMOS
ICESCO
Kingdom of Bahrain
Library of Alexandria
Ministry of Culture, United Arab Emirates
Ministry of Education, United Arab Emirates
Police – Abu Dhabi and Dubai
RAM (Responsible Art Market)
Sharjah Museums Authority
State of Kuwait
State of Qatar
Sultanate of Oman
UNIDROIT
UNESCO
Universities (NYUAD, UAEU, UOS, SUAD)
WCO