OIC Joins Global Effort to Protect Cultural Heritage

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) participated in the ninth meeting of the International Committee for the Preservation of the Human Historical Heritage, held at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on April 22, 2025. The meeting convened to address the mounting threats facing tangible and intangible cultural heritage across OIC member states, with particular emphasis on the critical conditions affecting Palestinian heritage. The OIC’s engagement underscores its ongoing commitment to safeguarding cultural legacy as a cornerstone of Islamic solidarity and identity.

Why does the preservation of historical heritage matter so deeply in today’s world? Cultural heritage serves as a bridge between past and future, embodying the collective memory and identity of peoples. For OIC member states, the protection of both tangible sites and intangible traditions is not merely a cultural imperative but a strategic priority. The ninth meeting of the International Committee for the Preservation of the Human Historical Heritage, hosted by the Arab League, brought together representatives from across the Islamic world to deliberate on concrete measures to protect heritage under threat. The OIC’s participation reflects its proactive role in coordinating efforts to preserve the human historical heritage, especially in regions experiencing conflict and instability.

Context and Background

How did the OIC come to play such a central role in heritage preservation? The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, founded in 1969, is the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations, comprising 57 member states. Its General Secretariat, based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has increasingly focused on cultural and heritage issues as part of its broader mandate to promote Islamic solidarity and cooperation. The International Committee for the Preservation of the Human Historical Heritage was established under the auspices of the Arab League to coordinate efforts across the Arab and Islamic world. The ninth meeting, held on April 22, 2025, marked a continuation of these efforts, with the OIC General Secretariat actively participating to align its initiatives with those of other regional bodies.

The meeting addressed the multifaceted threats to cultural heritage in OIC member states, including armed conflicts, illicit trafficking, urbanization, and climate change. Of particular concern was the human heritage of Palestine, which faces catastrophic risks due to ongoing tragic events. The OIC’s representative, Dr. Rami Anchassi Anshasi, highlighted that the organization’s participation is a continuation of its efforts in heritage preservation, in line with ministerial decisions adopted during several consecutive sessions of the Council of Foreign Ministers. These decisions urged member states to establish the OIC platform for the protection and preservation of cultural heritage, a dedicated mechanism to coordinate and enhance heritage safeguarding across the Islamic world.

What drives the OIC’s sustained commitment to this cause? The organization recognizes that cultural heritage is not only a source of identity but also a driver of economic and social development. By preserving historical sites and traditional practices, member states can foster tourism, education, and intercultural dialogue. The OIC’s involvement in the International Committee underscores its belief that heritage preservation requires international collaboration, especially in regions where heritage is most vulnerable. The meeting at the Arab League headquarters provided a platform for sharing best practices, mobilizing resources, and advocating for stronger legal protections at both national and international levels.

Key Details

What specific outcomes emerged from the ninth meeting? While the final communiqué was not immediately released, the discussions centered on practical strategies to protect both tangible and intangible heritage. Tangible heritage includes monuments, archaeological sites, and artifacts, while intangible heritage encompasses traditions, oral expressions, performing arts, and craftsmanship. The OIC General Secretariat emphasized the need for a unified approach, leveraging the OIC platform to facilitate cooperation among member states. Dr. Rami Anchassi Anshasi noted that the catastrophic situation facing Palestinian cultural heritage remains a major concern, and the committee explored ways to document, protect, and eventually restore affected sites and practices.

The meeting also reviewed progress on previous decisions and identified gaps in current preservation efforts. Participants discussed the importance of capacity-building for heritage professionals, the role of technology in documentation and monitoring, and the need for increased funding. The OIC’s participation was framed as part of its broader cultural diplomacy, which seeks to promote mutual understanding and respect among nations. By engaging with the Arab League and other international bodies, the OIC aims to amplify the voices of its member states and ensure that heritage preservation remains high on the global agenda.

How does the OIC platform for the protection and preservation of cultural heritage function? Established following ministerial directives, the platform serves as a coordinating hub for member states to share information, develop joint projects, and advocate for heritage protection. It also facilitates partnerships with international organizations such as UNESCO and the Arab League. The ninth meeting provided an opportunity to refine the platform’s operational framework and to align its activities with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to culture and education. The OIC’s representative reiterated the organization’s readiness to support member states in their national efforts, emphasizing that heritage preservation is a shared responsibility.

International and Regional Impact

Why should the international community pay attention to this meeting? The preservation of human historical heritage is a global concern, as the loss of cultural heritage diminishes the common heritage of humanity. The OIC’s active participation in the International Committee signals a strong regional commitment to protecting heritage, which can inspire similar initiatives elsewhere. The focus on Palestine’s heritage highlights the urgent need for international action to safeguard cultural rights in conflict zones. By working through the Arab League, the OIC reinforces the importance of multilateralism in addressing heritage threats. This collaboration also strengthens ties between the OIC and the Arab League, two key organizations in the Middle East and the wider Islamic world.

The meeting’s outcomes could have far-reaching implications for how heritage is protected in OIC member states. Enhanced coordination may lead to more effective responses to crises, such as the illicit trafficking of antiquities, which often funds extremist groups. It may also boost tourism by restoring and promoting heritage sites, thereby contributing to economic growth. For Saudi Arabia, which hosts the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, this engagement aligns with its Vision 2030 goals of diversifying the economy and promoting cultural tourism. The Kingdom has itself invested heavily in heritage preservation, including the restoration of historical sites in AlUla and Diriyah, and supports regional efforts through its leadership in the OIC.

Economic and Strategic Significance

How does heritage preservation contribute to economic and strategic objectives? Cultural heritage is a valuable asset that can drive sustainable development. Heritage tourism generates revenue, creates jobs, and stimulates local economies. For many OIC member states, historical sites and traditional crafts are untapped resources that can be developed responsibly. The OIC’s platform aims to help member states capitalize on these assets while ensuring their protection. Strategically, heritage preservation fosters national pride and social cohesion, which are essential for stability. It also enhances a country’s soft power and international standing. By investing in heritage, OIC member states project a positive image and strengthen their cultural diplomacy.

The meeting at the Arab League headquarters also underscored the strategic importance of cultural heritage in the context of the Palestinian cause. Protecting Palestinian heritage is a political and moral imperative for OIC member states, as it affirms the Palestinian people’s connection to their land and history. The OIC’s efforts in this regard complement its broader political support for Palestine. Furthermore, the collaboration between the OIC and the Arab League demonstrates a unified front in addressing regional challenges, which can lead to more effective advocacy at the United Nations and other international forums. For Saudi Arabia, this aligns with its Vision 2030 objective of fostering international partnerships and promoting moderate Islam.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the OIC’s heritage preservation work align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030? Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious reform plan, includes a strong focus on culture and heritage as pillars of national identity and economic diversification. Saudi Arabia has launched numerous initiatives to preserve and promote its heritage, such as the restoration of historic Jeddah, the development of AlUla as a cultural tourism destination, and the establishment of the Royal Commission for AlUla. These efforts resonate with the OIC’s mission to protect cultural heritage across the Islamic world. By hosting the OIC General Secretariat and supporting its heritage initiatives, Saudi Arabia reinforces its role as a leader in cultural preservation and a catalyst for regional cooperation.

What does the future hold for heritage preservation under the OIC’s auspices? The ninth meeting of the International Committee for the Preservation of the Human Historical Heritage represents a step forward in a long-term endeavor. As conflicts and other threats persist, the OIC’s platform will remain a vital mechanism for coordinating action and mobilizing resources. The organization’s continued engagement, guided by the decisions of the Council of Foreign Ministers, ensures that heritage preservation remains a priority on the Islamic world’s agenda. With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 providing a model for integrating heritage into sustainable development, the OIC is well-positioned to lead by example, fostering a future where cultural heritage is cherished, protected, and celebrated for generations to come.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)?

A1. The OIC is the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations, with 57 member states. Founded in 1969, it aims to promote Islamic solidarity and cooperation in political, economic, cultural, and social spheres.

Q2. What was the ninth meeting of the International Committee for the Preservation of the Human Historical Heritage?

A2. It was a gathering held at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo on April 22, 2025, where the OIC General Secretariat participated to discuss threats to cultural heritage in member states, especially Palestine.

Q3. Who represented the OIC at the meeting?

A3. Dr. Rami Anchassi Anshasi represented the OIC General Secretariat. He highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts in heritage preservation and the critical situation facing Palestinian cultural heritage.

Q4. What are the main threats to cultural heritage in OIC member states?

A4. Threats include armed conflicts, illicit trafficking, urbanization, climate change, and natural disasters. These factors endanger both tangible sites and intangible traditions across the Islamic world.

Q5. Why is Palestinian heritage a major concern for the OIC?

A5. Palestinian heritage faces catastrophic risks due to ongoing tragic events. The OIC views its protection as a moral and political imperative, affirming the Palestinian people’s connection to their land and history.

Q6. What is the OIC platform for the protection and preservation of cultural heritage?

A6. It is a dedicated mechanism established following ministerial decisions to coordinate and enhance heritage safeguarding among OIC member states. It facilitates cooperation, resource mobilization, and advocacy.

Q7. How does the OIC’s participation align with its ministerial decisions?

A7. The participation continues efforts mandated by consecutive sessions of the Council of Foreign Ministers, which urged member states to establish the OIC platform and prioritize heritage preservation.

Q8. What is the difference between tangible and intangible cultural heritage?

A8. Tangible heritage includes physical artifacts like monuments and sites, while intangible heritage encompasses traditions, oral expressions, performing arts, and craftsmanship. Both are vital for cultural identity.

Q9. How can heritage preservation contribute to economic development?

A9. It can boost tourism, create jobs, and stimulate local economies. Heritage sites and traditional crafts are valuable assets that can be developed sustainably to generate revenue and foster community pride.

Q10. What role does Saudi Arabia play in the OIC’s heritage efforts?

A10. Saudi Arabia hosts the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah and supports its initiatives. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 includes heritage preservation as a key pillar, and it leads by example through projects like AlUla and Diriyah.

Q11. How does the OIC collaborate with other international organizations?

A11. The OIC partners with entities like the Arab League, UNESCO, and other regional bodies to share best practices, mobilize resources, and advocate for stronger heritage protections globally.

Q12. What are the implications of the meeting for regional stability?

A12. By fostering cooperation and cultural diplomacy, the meeting strengthens ties among member states and promotes mutual understanding, which can contribute to regional stability and peace.

Q13. How does heritage preservation relate to Vision 2030?

A13. Vision 2030 emphasizes culture and heritage as drivers of economic diversification and national identity. Saudi Arabia’s investments in heritage align with the OIC’s mission and support sustainable development.

Q14. What are some examples of Saudi heritage preservation projects?

A14. Projects include the restoration of historic Jeddah, the development of AlUla as a cultural tourism destination, and the establishment of the Royal Commission for AlUla, among others.

Q15. What is the significance of the Arab League hosting the meeting?

A15. It underscores the importance of multilateralism and regional cooperation in heritage preservation. The Arab League provides a platform for Arab and Islamic countries to coordinate efforts and share strategies.

Q16. How can technology aid in heritage preservation?

A16. Technology can be used for documentation, monitoring, and restoration. Digital tools help create records of at-risk heritage and facilitate virtual access, ensuring that cultural knowledge is preserved for future generations.

Q17. What are the next steps for the OIC platform?

A17. The platform will continue to coordinate among member states, develop joint projects, and advocate for heritage protection. It will also seek to enhance partnerships and secure funding for preservation initiatives.

Q18. How does the OIC engage youth in heritage preservation?

A18. The OIC encourages educational programs and capacity-building to involve youth in heritage safeguarding. By fostering awareness and skills, it ensures that future generations remain connected to their cultural roots.

Q19. What is the role of the Council of Foreign Ministers in this context?

A19. The Council of Foreign Ministers adopts ministerial decisions that guide the OIC’s heritage preservation efforts. These decisions mandate the establishment of the OIC platform and urge member states to prioritize heritage.

Q20. How can the international community support these efforts?

A20. The international community can support by providing funding, technical expertise, and political backing for heritage protection. Collaboration with organizations like the OIC and Arab League is essential to safeguard humanity’s shared heritage.