UNESCO CHAIR For Inter-Religious Dialogue Studies in The Islamic World
Dr. Alaa Shatnan, Director of the UNESCO Chair, took part in the virtual symposium convened by UNESCO under the title:
“Using Modern Geospatial Technologies in UNESCO-Designated Sites for Sustainable Futures”
Held on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. (Paris time), the symposium explored the transformative role of modern geospatial technologies in fostering sustainable development within UNESCO-designated sites—including biosphere reserves, global geoparks, and World Heritage sites.
The event gathered a distinguished assembly of experts, site managers, academics, specialists, and UNESCO Chairholders committed to advancing the application of contemporary technologies. It offered a platform for critical dialogue on the strengths and limitations of earth sciences, capacity building, education, and related technologies, while probing how these elements might collectively contribute to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals and international environmental accords.
Special emphasis was placed on fortifying cooperation among UNESCO-designated sites and networks, thereby enabling stakeholders to harness modern geospatial tools and allied resources with greater efficacy. Discussions and exchanges of knowledge were aimed at confronting the mounting global challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic inequality.
Equally, the deliberations highlighted the importance of enhancing capacities, promoting data-driven management, and integrating geospatial instruments to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the Paris Agreement.
