emirates7 - Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the General Conference of UNESCO, praised the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its leading efforts in safeguarding both cultural and natural heritage at the national and international levels. She described the UAE as a vital partner of the Paris-based organisation and a global example in heritage preservation.
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM) in Paris, Miculescu expressed her admiration for the UAE’s recent success in having the Faya Palaeolandscape in Sharjah inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. She noted that this milestone demonstrates the UAE’s strong dedication to protecting humanity’s shared memory and underlines the value of heritage sites in fostering intercultural dialogue and understanding.
Miculescu highlighted that the UAE’s commitment to heritage preservation goes beyond its borders, stating: “The UAE not only protects its own heritage but also actively contributes to global preservation efforts. This reflects a deep civilisational vision and a sense of ethical responsibility to all of humanity.”
She added that the UAE is one of UNESCO’s most reliable partners, playing a crucial role in supporting major global initiatives, especially those focused on restoring heritage sites impacted by conflict, particularly in the Arab world.
Speaking about the significance of the Faya archaeological site, Miculescu noted that it is more than just an ancient location—it represents early phases of human evolution and interaction with nature, in an area with notable geological and cultural value. She explained that the site holds vital evidence related to the earliest human migrations from Africa to Asia, offering valuable insight for researchers and scholars.
Miculescu also commended the UAE for the quality and depth of its nomination file, which met UNESCO’s strict standards. She credited the listing to the country’s sustained scientific efforts and fruitful collaboration with international experts.
She went on to applaud the UAE’s strategy of merging heritage preservation with sustainable development, stressing that the country serves as a model for how heritage can drive both cultural enrichment and economic growth. This is achieved through initiatives such as sustainable tourism and community involvement in heritage site management.
On the UAE–UNESCO partnership, Miculescu praised the UAE’s active role in shaping global cultural policy and its support for various initiatives, stating: “The UAE consistently demonstrates that culture is not a luxury, but a vital element in achieving global peace and development.”
She concluded by thanking the UAE leadership, describing the country as a progressive model that balances modern advancement with respect for cultural traditions. She emphasized that the UAE’s commitment to preserving heritage sends a powerful message that progress and identity can coexist, and expressed hope for further collaboration and the inclusion of more UAE sites on the World Heritage List.
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM) in Paris, Miculescu expressed her admiration for the UAE’s recent success in having the Faya Palaeolandscape in Sharjah inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. She noted that this milestone demonstrates the UAE’s strong dedication to protecting humanity’s shared memory and underlines the value of heritage sites in fostering intercultural dialogue and understanding.
Miculescu highlighted that the UAE’s commitment to heritage preservation goes beyond its borders, stating: “The UAE not only protects its own heritage but also actively contributes to global preservation efforts. This reflects a deep civilisational vision and a sense of ethical responsibility to all of humanity.”
She added that the UAE is one of UNESCO’s most reliable partners, playing a crucial role in supporting major global initiatives, especially those focused on restoring heritage sites impacted by conflict, particularly in the Arab world.
Speaking about the significance of the Faya archaeological site, Miculescu noted that it is more than just an ancient location—it represents early phases of human evolution and interaction with nature, in an area with notable geological and cultural value. She explained that the site holds vital evidence related to the earliest human migrations from Africa to Asia, offering valuable insight for researchers and scholars.
Miculescu also commended the UAE for the quality and depth of its nomination file, which met UNESCO’s strict standards. She credited the listing to the country’s sustained scientific efforts and fruitful collaboration with international experts.
She went on to applaud the UAE’s strategy of merging heritage preservation with sustainable development, stressing that the country serves as a model for how heritage can drive both cultural enrichment and economic growth. This is achieved through initiatives such as sustainable tourism and community involvement in heritage site management.
On the UAE–UNESCO partnership, Miculescu praised the UAE’s active role in shaping global cultural policy and its support for various initiatives, stating: “The UAE consistently demonstrates that culture is not a luxury, but a vital element in achieving global peace and development.”
She concluded by thanking the UAE leadership, describing the country as a progressive model that balances modern advancement with respect for cultural traditions. She emphasized that the UAE’s commitment to preserving heritage sends a powerful message that progress and identity can coexist, and expressed hope for further collaboration and the inclusion of more UAE sites on the World Heritage List.