The World Monument Fund has unanimously elected the President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), Shaikh Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, as member of its Board of Trustees, the first Arab personality to reach such a post, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
The New York-based World Monument Fund said that Shaikha Mai’s membership of its Board of Trustees will significantly support its efforts to protect and preserve unique cultural sites around the world and the communities surrounding them.
Commenting, Shaikha Mai extended thanks to the World Monument Fund’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Bénédicte de Montlaur, for her election to the important post, stressing that Bahrain boasts distinguished expertise to participate effectively in international efforts aimed at enhancing the status of material cultural heritage and cultural sites, particularly in the midst of the serious challenges the world is currently facing.
BNA quoted her as saying that Bahrain has attained many achievements that have earned it a global reputation and the recognition of many international organizations. She cited the kingdom’s hosting of the headquarters of the Arab Regional Center for World Heritage (ARC-WH), success in registering three sites on the World Heritage List, chairmanship of the World Heritage Committee twice and hosting of the committee meeting in 2018, in addition to the presence of many projects as an attractive cultural infrastructure for sustainable development and tourism.
The World Monument Fund honored Shaikha Mai in 2015 by granting her the 2015 Watch Award on October 21, 2015, becoming the first Arab personality to win such a prestigious award. She was presented with the award during the annual Hadrian Gala ceremony, marking its 50th anniversary.
Founded in New York City in 1965, the World Monument Fund seeks to protect material and non-material culture through raising awareness, training, education and field work around the world.
