Culture Minister and UNESCO Head Explore Enhanced Collaboration on Cultural Heritage Protection

Khartoum: Minister of Culture, Information, Antiquities and Tourism Khalid Al-Eisir met with Head of the UNESCO Office in Sudan Ahmed Junaid Soroush to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in protecting Sudan's cultural heritage and assess damage to cultural sites and museums.According to Sudan News Agency, the meeting, held at the Minister's office, was also attended by the Ministry's Undersecretary, Dr. Jerham Abdel Gadir. During the meeting, both parties agreed to support community radio initiatives, combat hate speech, and promote national unity through the activation of community radio services in the near future.The discussions emphasized enhancing cooperation through the implementation of international conventions ratified by Sudan in 1970, 1995, and 2001. These conventions cover measures to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property, facilitate the return of cultural property to its countries of origin, protect underwater cultural heritage, and promote the application of the relevant in ternational legal framework.Soroush highlighted that the meeting also reviewed a project focused on assessing damage to cultural institutions and museums. This project emphasizes training professionals in the cultural sector on modern scientific methodologies for evaluating damage and determining reconstruction costs, aiming to develop sustainable and well-informed recovery plans.The meeting concluded with an agreement to expand cooperation between the Ministry and UNESCO, aiming to strengthen the organization's role in safeguarding Sudan's cultural heritage and supporting the Ministry in all areas requiring assistance related to cultural heritage protection.