Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, to discuss enhancing cooperation in cultural heritage restoration and education. Al-Sudani emphasized the importance of recovering stolen artifacts and proposed collaboration on a significant 2026 event. Azoulay confirmed UNESCO’s commitment to Iraq’s restoration and educational development.
Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met with UNESCO’s Director-General, Ms. Audrey Azoulay. During the meeting, held on Tuesday, Al-Sudani acknowledged UNESCO’s vital contributions to culture, education, and heritage protection, particularly regarding Iraq’s ongoing issues. He emphasized the Iraqi government’s commitment to enhanced collaboration with UNESCO across various initiatives.
Al-Sudani specifically highlighted the importance of UNESCO’s continued efforts in Mosul to restore cultural heritage sites damaged by ISIS. He also stressed the organization’s role in recovering stolen antiquities and proposed fostering collaboration with Iraq’s Ministries of Education and Higher Education, particularly on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity initiatives.
The Prime Minister noted that Iraq will celebrate the millennium of the Hawza in Najaf in 2026, urging UNESCO to engage in this event alongside Iraqi cultural institutions to underline its historical significance.
In response, Ms. Azoulay praised Iraq’s governmental initiatives and mentioned that her trip to Mosul conveys UNESCO’s commitment and solidarity in rehabilitating areas impacted by terrorism. She reiterated UNESCO’s support in recovering stolen artifacts and expressed interest in the Hawza celebration, noting UNESCO’s readiness to collaborate further and ensure the inclusion of Iraqi universities in relevant educational programs.
The meeting between Prime Minister Al-Sudani and UNESCO’s Director-General underscores the ongoing partnership between Iraq and UNESCO, with a focus on cultural preservation and reconstruction efforts in post-conflict areas. UNESCO’s involvement in Iraq has been critical in helping revive cultural heritage and support educational advancements, particularly in the aftermath of ISIS’s devastation. This engagement is vital for Iraq’s recovery and long-term developmental goals.
The meeting between Prime Minister Al-Sudani and UNESCO’s Director-General represents a strategic collaboration aimed at restoring Iraq’s cultural heritage and enhancing educational initiatives. With a keen focus on notable events such as the Hawza millennium and ongoing recovery efforts in Mosul, both leaders are committed to fostering stronger ties that respect and revive Iraq’s rich cultural legacy.
Original Source: ina.iq
