Morocco Reaffirms Commitment to Preserve Heritage in Conflict Zones

Rabat - Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mehdi Bensaid represented Morocco at the second donor conference of ALIPH foundation held within the framework of the “International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Zones.”

Rabat – Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mehdi Bensaid represented Morocco at the second donor conference of ALIPH foundation held within the framework of the “International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Zones.”

Speaking by videoconference on February 1, Bensaid underlined Morocco’s commitment to support actions and initiatives undertaken by the ALIPH foundation to protect heritage in areas with high risks of conflicts.

Noting that Morocco has traditionally provided its experience in the protection and restoration of heritage and museums to the countries victims of terrorism or natural disasters, Bensaid asserted that the country is determined to continue to fight against terrorism, particularly in the field of culture.

The minister also reiterated Morocco’s readiness to put an end to acts of destruction carried by individuals to ruin the heritage of humanity and centuries-old historical traces.

He also spoke about King Mohammed VI’s vision to further boost cooperation and solidarity between people. Alongside the partner countries of ALIPH, Morocco expressed readiness to invest more in preserving the world heritage.

“Morocco is committed to fight against obscurantism, fanaticism and any other ideology whose mission is to undermine the paths that highlight our common history, our heritage, and identity,” Bensaid noted.

The Moroccan minister concluded his speech by highlighting the importance of culture in civilization and to connect people from different nations that share a common history.

Launched in March 2017, ALIPH was initially the fruit of a joint initiative of the UAE and France, with the support of UNESCO. Several other countries and private partners have since joined the initiative and supported the financing of nearly 150 projects in 30 countries.

As the only global fund that is solely dedicated to the protection of cultural heritage in conflict areas, the Geneva-based foundation finances preventive measures, emergency interventions, and concrete post-conflict rehabilitation projects all around the world.