Saudi Arabia Announces Inaugural Protected Areas Forum ‘HIMA’

The site at Hima, the sixth to be enlisted in Saudi Arabia, is home to one of the largest rock art complexes in the world and ancient wells. (SPA)
The site at Hima, the sixth to be enlisted in Saudi Arabia, is home to one of the largest rock art complexes in the world and ancient wells. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Announces Inaugural Protected Areas Forum ‘HIMA’

The site at Hima, the sixth to be enlisted in Saudi Arabia, is home to one of the largest rock art complexes in the world and ancient wells. (SPA)
The site at Hima, the sixth to be enlisted in Saudi Arabia, is home to one of the largest rock art complexes in the world and ancient wells. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia announces the Inaugural Protected Areas Forum ‘‘HIMA’’, a groundbreaking event in the region dedicated to the conservation and preservation of natural habitats and wildlife, SPA reported.

Under the patronage of Engineer AbdulRahman Al-Fadli, the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and Chairman of the Board of the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), this forum organized by the National Center for Wildlife will be held in Riyadh from April 21-24, marking a significant milestone with both local and international participation.
The forum will feature a comprehensive agenda filled with panel discussions and presentations by renowned experts in the field of protected areas from around the globe.

Attendees will include representatives from protected areas, educational institutions, major projects, companies, and the non-profit sector, reflecting a growing commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.
Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, emphasized that the organization of the "HIMA" forum stems from the Kingdom's leading position in global environmental initiatives and closely aligns with NCW's mandate as the
national authority for the wildlife sector. This initiative is part of a strategic plan to enhance the national system for protected areas, setting a clear direction for the Kingdom's efforts to safeguard vital natural sites for biodiversity.
Dr. Qurban highlighted the Kingdom's ambitious 30×30 initiative, aimed at protecting 30% of Saudi Arabia's land and sea area by 2030. This initiative, announced during the Green Saudi Initiative, underscores the Kingdom's dedication to
global biodiversity goals and environmental sustainability. The roadmap includes specific targets for the protection of land and marine areas by 2025 and 2030, demonstrating a proactive approach towards conservation.
The forum serves as a platform for global leaders in protected area management to exchange knowledge and best practices, fostering collaboration and ensuring alignment with international standards.
Since its establishment in 2019, the National Center for Wildlife has been dedicated to implementing strategic plans to address the challenges facing wildlife and marine ecosystems. With a vision for flourishing and sustainable wildlife
and biodiversity, the NCW is committed to preserving environmental systems and enhancing community engagement to achieve long-term environmental sustainability and maximize societal and economic benefits.



Arab Week at UNESCO Strengthens Saudi Arabia's Position in Cultural Dialogue

The UNESCO logo is seen during the opening of the 39th session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at their headquarters in Paris, France, Oct. 30, 2017. Reuters
The UNESCO logo is seen during the opening of the 39th session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at their headquarters in Paris, France, Oct. 30, 2017. Reuters
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Arab Week at UNESCO Strengthens Saudi Arabia's Position in Cultural Dialogue

The UNESCO logo is seen during the opening of the 39th session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at their headquarters in Paris, France, Oct. 30, 2017. Reuters
The UNESCO logo is seen during the opening of the 39th session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at their headquarters in Paris, France, Oct. 30, 2017. Reuters

The Arab Week will open on Monday at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) headquarters in Paris.

The event plays a significant role in advancing Arab and international cultural and civilizational efforts, contributing to the progress of education, culture, and science at regional and global levels.

This is the first time in over half a century that Arab countries have organized an Arab Week at UNESCO. The event is spearheaded by the Saudi National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, which reinforces the Kingdom's position in regard to cultural dialogue and coexistence.

The event celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Arab world through literature and arts. It also provides opportunities for intercultural dialogue, with all Arab countries showcasing the richness and diversity of Arab culture and civilization, promoting intercultural understanding, and contributing to cultural development.
Arab Week at UNESCO features 22 spaces dedicated to Arab countries, each showcasing different aspects of the Arab culture. Seven seminars will focus on topics such as Arabic language, Arabic calligraphy, Arabic literature, AI, education, fine arts, intangible cultural heritage, and world heritage.

The Arab Week will also be an occasion to display activities such as musical performances, handicrafts, Arab fashion, and Arab cuisine. Attendees will also have the chance to explore a cultural exhibition, an Arabic calligraphy exhibition, a photography exhibition of heritage sites in the Arab world, and an exhibition of Arab cultural products.

The committee's work aims to represent the Kingdom in regional and international organizations concerned with education, culture, communication, and information. It focuses on preparing and providing support for cooperation with international and non-profit organizations, building communication bridges, and leveraging all capabilities to foster initiatives that enhance cultural dialogue between Arab countries and the rest of the world. This effort culminates in the significant initiative of Arab Week at UNESCO, which has received the support and endorsement of the Arab countries, and which will highlight their historical diversity and cultural pluralism, as well as their values rooted in a rich cultural and civilizational heritage.