United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation – UNESCO and the Government of Iraq have jointly held an International Conference for the Recovery and Rehabilitation of the City of Mosul on 10 September 2018 at UNESCO headquarters. The conference was part of the “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” Initiative launched by the Director-General of UNESCO in February 2018.
The objective of the conference was to mobilize the international community for the reconstruction and recovery of Mosul, to take stock of the current situation on the ground, to announce the creation of the Mosul Revival Trust Fund, and to present a list of major projects that will contribute to the rehabilitation of Mosul’s heritage sites, reviving its cultural life and its educational institutions. The opening was addressed by UNESCO Director-General Ms. Audrey Azoulay and the Secretary General of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Iraq Mr. Mahdi Al-Alak. A large number of countries’ representatives took the floor in contribution to promoting international cooperation towards recovery and rehabilitation of the city of Mosul.
IRCICA Director General Prof. Halit Eren addressed the conference outlining the areas of expertise and experience and possible contributions of the Centre towards elevating competences in reconstruction of urban heritage and restoration and conservation of collections of manuscripts.
Prof. Halit Eren also had a meeting with Dr. Mechtild Rössler, Director of the Division for Heritage and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The meeting laid the grounds for communication and cooperation in areas of common concern and furthering IRCICA’s cooperation with the World Heritage Centre.
