Arab Group
ICOMOS’s Arab Group is a regional grouping of ICOMOS consisting of National committees and individual members from 19 State parties from the Arab region, as defined by UNESCO. Currently, there are 10 National committees in the Arab region, but the Arab group includes individual members from all 19 Arab states. Some Arab states are considered members of the ICOMOS Africa group.
The Arab region holds a rich and diverse cultural heritage, shaped by millennia of history, varied cultures, and religious traditions. It is home to some of the world’s oldest settlements and archaeological sites, along with unique modern architecture and a vast intangible heritage.
The Arab Group is currently represented on the ICOMOS Board by Dana Firas (Jordan), elected as Vice President of the ICOMOS Bureau at the 2023 General Assembly.
What is the Arab Group’s role?
The Arab Group was founded to foster active participation from the Arab region in ICOMOS, highlight key heritage concerns in Arab countries, and strengthen cooperation among ICOMOS National Committees and members to protect and promote the region’s cultural heritage.
The Arab group meets at least quarterly and more often if the need arises.
The goals of the group include:
- Strengthening the role of regional Arab National committees and ICOMOS experts in advancing cultural heritage issues in the Arab region ;
- Achieving wider engagement from Arab experts in ICOMOS International Scientific Committees ;
- Enhancing cooperation and undertake joint activities among the national committees of the region with the participation of experts from the Arab states ;
- Identifying issues of priority for the protection, preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of the Arab region ;
- Improving collaboration among all heritage stakeholders in the region, including relevant international, regional and national institutions.