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Rabat – In a recent meeting, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, representing Morocco, provided an update to the UNESCO World Heritage Director, Lazare Eloundou Assomo, on the kingdom’s strides towards safeguarding its cultural legacy.
Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication disclosed in a press release that discussions primarily revolved around a forthcoming bill aimed at preserving, conserving, and valorizing Morocco’s cultural heritage.
Central to the deliberations was the robust partnership between Morocco and UNESCO under the auspices of King Mohammed VI.
The King’s commitment to international multilateral efforts was highlighted, particularly evident in his message to the participants of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022.
The meeting delved into enhancing cooperation between Morocco and UNESCO in the realm of heritage preservation.
It recalled Morocco’s signing of a framework convention with UNESCO in 2022, envisaging the exchange of expertise and bolstering skills crucial for the meticulous preparation of heritage elements’ registration files on UNESCO’s indicative lists.
Read also: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Morocco
Notably, both parties assessed the outcomes of their collaboration, particularly in safeguarding tangible heritage, and recognized the imperative for Morocco to nominate additional elements for UNESCO recognition.
A joint work program was agreed upon, indicating a sustained cooperation between the two entities. This collaboration extends to upcoming events like Jazz Day in Tangier, fostering cultural exchange and preservation efforts.
Additionally, Eloundou Assomo’s visit to Morocco encompasses meetings with key Moroccan officials and tours of significant sites such as Rabat, Marrakech, Essaouira, and the historic Tinmel Mosque, which endured damage from a seismic event in September.
Established in 1945 in the aftermath of World War II, UNESCO is a specialized international agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting collaboration among nations in education, science, and culture.
With the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage adopted in 1972, 194 countries are signatories, demonstrating global commitment to cultural preservation.
