On September 28, 2026, Algerian Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Ben Doud, officially opened an international conference at the Mufdi Zakria Palace of Culture. The conference, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Arts in collaboration with the Arab Organization for Education, Culture and Sciences (ALECSO), focuses on strategies, practices, and prospects for Arab and international cooperation in preserving intangible cultural heritage.
The conference brings together experts, specialists, and representatives from Algeria and several Arab countries. The event aims to enhance cooperation in preserving intangible cultural heritage, developing documentation mechanisms, and promoting elements registered on UNESCO lists. Participants include Hamid bin Sayf Al-Nofali, Director of Culture at ALECOS, and other experts and museum directors.
The conference seeks to promote Arab cooperation in preparing joint files, exchanging expertise, and digitizing heritage assets. Minister Ben Doud emphasized the importance of inventorying, documenting, and scientific research in ensuring the continuity of heritage. She highlighted Algeria's experience in preserving intangible cultural heritage and the efforts of the Ministry of Culture and Arts in enhancing national inventorying and documenting heritage elements.
The conference program includes a visit to an exhibition showcasing Algerian intangible cultural heritage elements and Arab heritage. Workshops are also organized to introduce these elements, including those registered on UNESCO lists or in the process of being registered. The event highlights Algerian and Arab joint files and ongoing paths for registering new heritage elements on UNESCO lists.
The conference is part of Algeria's efforts to strengthen its cultural presence on the international stage. By promoting cooperation and exchanging expertise, participants aim to develop effective strategies for preserving intangible cultural heritage. This initiative also seeks to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and its role in shaping national identity.
Key outcomes of the conference are expected to include enhanced cooperation among Arab countries, strengthened mechanisms for preserving intangible cultural heritage, and increased awareness about the significance of cultural heritage. The event provides a platform for experts and stakeholders to share experiences and best practices in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
Key points
- The conference aims to promote Arab cooperation in preserving intangible cultural heritage and develop effective strategies for its preservation.
- The event highlights Algeria's experience in preserving intangible cultural heritage and its efforts to enhance national inventorying and documentation.
- The conference program includes workshops and an exhibition showcasing Algerian and Arab intangible cultural heritage elements.
