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UNESCO, UN Global Compact and the business sector discuss ways to preserve World Heritage
During the in Riyadh from 10-25 September 2023, UNESCO and UN Global Compact (UNGC) Saudi Arabia Network convened a Forum on Sunday 10 September to recognise the considerable potential of the private sector to contribute to the safeguard and promotion of the rich World Heritage List. Under the strong conviction that the corporate sector can play a vital role in making natural and cultural heritage more accessible, the objective of this forum was to brainstorm on which effective, innovative and concrete partnerships could be developed to localise efforts to protect and safeguard the most significant heritage in the world.
This forum sought to assemble a diverse group of business leaders from the Gulf States to pave a roadmap for effective private sector involvement in the stewardship of world heritage. Two roundtables were planned – one on the theme of World Heritage and Climate Change and the second on the theme of Priority Africa and World Heritage. Around 20 company representatives, members of the UN Global Compact, as well as experts from UNESCO and the World Heritage Center participated and thought of ways to develop a road map as next steps in the collaboration. The outcomes of this meeting were presented at a side-event to the World Heritage Committee on 12th September. The forum was generously hosted by Diriyah Gate Limited Company in At-Turaif District.
‘This Forum is a great opportunity to further engage the private sector as partners to collaborate with us as we work towards protecting our shared World Heritage and achieving Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and future generations.' said Mr Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director UNESCO World Heritage Center in his opening remarks. According to Mr Ibrahim Al-Helali, Executive Director, UNGC Saudi Arabia ‘The UN GC Network in Saudi Arabia, alongside our valued partner UNESCO, is proud to lead the way in recognizing the pivotal role of the private sector in preserving our cherished cultural and natural heritage. Together, we are forging a path toward sustainability, resilience, and a brighter future for heritage sites worldwide, driven by our unwavering commitment to corporate responsibility and the Sustainable Development Goals.’
Both UNESCO and the UN Global Compact are strongly committed to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Interest from the private sector to adhere to sustainability principles has grown significantly in Saudi Arabia over the last years. World Heritage has long been recognized as an essential element for the achievement of development goals because of the way it promotes tolerance and respect as well as its contribution to the empowerment of women, young people, and communities.
