UNESCO CHAIR For Inter-Religious Dialogue Studies in The Islamic World
Dr. Alaa Shatnan, Director of the UNESCO Chair at the University of Kufa, participated in the International Meeting on Culture and Emergency Situations, organized by the Emergency Operations and Programmes Unit (CLT/CEM/EOP) of UNESCO’s Culture Sector on Wednesday, 30 June 2026.
The meeting brought together more than 85 UNESCO Chairholders and members of the University Twinning and Networking Programme (UNITWIN) from across the globe whose research focuses on culture and emergency situations. The discussions centered on UNESCO’s emergency action plans for the protection and safeguarding of cultural heritage in times of crisis.
The meeting also sought to strengthen collaboration between members of the UNESCO Chairs Programme/UNITWIN Network and the Emergency Operations and Programmes Unit. Participants were introduced to the Unit’s strategic action plan and to a range of recently developed tools and technologies, including virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and satellite-based monitoring, all designed to enhance emergency preparedness and cultural heritage protection.
Furthermore, the gathering explored practical avenues for future cooperation while providing UNESCO Chairholders with an opportunity to present their expertise, exchange experiences, and engage in dialogue on emerging methodologies and innovative approaches to addressing cultural emergencies.
