H.E. Noura Al Kaabi Underscores Cultural Heritage as a Bridge to Peace at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025

A panel discussion titled “Heritage for Peace: Safeguarding Heritage Sites in Conflict Zones” was held at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025, with the participation of H.E. Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State, and H.E. Dr. Ghassan Salamé, Lebanon’s Minister of Culture. The session focused on the vital role of cultural heritage in promoting peace and rebuilding societies affected by conflict. Both speakers emphasized that preserving heritage serves as a bridge for peace and a pillar for identity preservation in war-torn communities.
 
Her Excellency Al Kaabi highlighted UAE-led initiatives that demonstrate how safeguarding cultural sites can support post-conflict recovery. Her Excellency underlined that the UNESCO-led “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” project in Iraq – supported by the UAE – is rebuilding historic landmarks such as Mosul’s Al-Nouri Mosque and Al-Tahera Church. More than 1,700 young Iraqis have been trained through this initiative to restore heritage sites and contribute to community reconstruction.
 
“Protecting both tangible and intangible culture is a top priority for the UAE,” H.E. Al Kaabi said, underlining that the preservation of heritage is a collective responsibility and “an integral part of fostering human dialogue and building bridges between peoples.” Her Excellency added that cultural heritage forms a fundamental element of community identity and lays the foundations for peace and stability.
 
Furthermore, H.E. Al Kaabi discussed the UAE’s role in the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH), launched in partnership with France. Through ALIPH, the UAE has supported more than 500 projects worldwide dedicated to protecting and restoring cultural heritage. These efforts, Her Excellency explained, align with the UAE’s broader vision of raising global awareness regarding the value of heritage in building a sustainable future for the next generation. These international partnerships underscore the significance of funding and collaborative action in safeguarding humanity’s shared history.
 
For his part, Dr. Ghassan Salamé commended the UAE’s contributions and stressed the need for inclusive, community-driven approaches to heritage preservation. “Restoring heritage should not be left to international organizations alone – it must be a joint effort that engages local people and institutions, especially in countries facing economic challenges,” Salamé said. He cited the success of the Mosul reconstruction as a model example of how global and local partners can work hand in hand, calling it “a successful model of international-local collaboration in reviving heritage.” He also shared examples from Lebanon, including a youth-led initiative in Beirut to rehabilitate historic quarters after the 2020 port explosion, and community restoration efforts in Tripoli that have helped foster reconciliation. These case studies, he noted, illustrate the power of cultural projects in healing social divisions and rebuilding hope.
 
Both Her Excellency Al Kaabi and His Excellency Dr. Salamé underscored that cultural heritage is more than physical structures – it is a source of identity, pride, and continuity for communities. Both sides agreed that safeguarding heritage in conflict zones not only preserves history but also unites people and restores normalcy. The panel concluded with a call for greater international cooperation and commitment to this cause. The speakers urged governments, international agencies and local stakeholders to integrate cultural heritage protection into peacebuilding policies, increase funding for restoration projects, and support grassroots initiatives. They affirmed that these concerted efforts will ensure that heritage sites can endure as symbols of resilience and bridges of peace for future generations.