Media Center

H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and& Antiquities, has participated on 19 November, at the 40th session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), held at the Organization’s headquarter in Paris, France. The session was held with the presence of ministers and officials of the cultural sectors from more than 140 countries, along with representatives of International cultural organizations from around the world.

H.E gave a speech during her intervention at the Panel Discussion 3 on “ Investing in Culture and Creativity for Sustainable Development and Employment”  arguing that : “ Through its multiple facets and action plans, culture in the Kingdom of Bahrain, embodies this investment in the components of historical, heritage and local identity’s unique characteristics. The aim is set up a sustainable and solid cultural infrastructure, capable to achieve many great deeds and uplift Bahrain’s advanced position regionally and globally”.

H.E added to say : “ Pearling Path  project, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is considered an international sustainable development model and job creation example, enabling us to give a unique national and global stereotype for reviving historical places, enhancing the infrastructure of Muharraq city, rehabilitation  of the heritage and traditional historical buildings, raising awareness in the country about the civilizational treasures, so unique and exceptional, in the region and encourage investment in historical assets”.

H.E has also pointed out that  the project  involves the preservation of a number of sites and numerous buildings, from humble divers’ houses to prestigious courtyard residences to commercial warehouses; plus the upgrading of other façades, and the construction of four new buildings. All of these are connected through a visitor pathway, with vacant plots left by demolitions landscaped as public spaces, creating more green spaces and beautiful visual environment.

BACA’s President continued to say that Pearling Path project meets Muharraq’s city economic endeavours, opening the door for increased tourism infrastructure investment, for local community, in areas like hospitality services, promotion, historical documentation, restoration, redesign and rehabilitation of urban areas. Indeed, the project has  created jobs through developing and growing key strategic sectors.

H.E went on to argue that the project both highlights the town’s pearling history and aims to re-balance its demographic makeup, enticing local families back through improvements to the environment and provision of community and cultural venues. Facilitated by private–public partnerships. The project also includes reviving the folk traditional music heritage into account, through the organization of weekly music events at Dar al Muharraq, where many workshops, training sessions and other related programs take place also. 

UNESCO’s  Forum of Ministers of Culture, is a major event to discuss the central place of culture in public policies around the world and its impact on sustainable development. As a platform for priority setting and public policy development, this ministerial meeting is an opportunity to make decisive progress on the role of culture in development. Four themes were explored on this occasion: Culture and heritage, a renewable energy for dialogue and peace, culture at the heart of education, a fundamental dimension for human development and innovation, investing in culture and creativity for sustainable development and employment, culture in the public space, a driving force for urban and social transformation.