Saudi Permanent Delegate to UNESCO participates in G20 Interfaith Forum
On 13 October, 2020 HH Princess Haifa, Permanent Delegate to UNESCO for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, participated in the G20 Interfaith Forum, which focused on the important role of religion in the world, and the critical need to continue the dialogue between all peoples of the world.
The forum focused on the linkages between three themes: Religious Cultural Heritage, Human Dignity, and Sustainable Development. Saudi Arabia’s delegation continues to recognize the importance of faith throughout history, and the Kingdom’s unique role as the home of Islam’s holiest sites brings with it a unique perspective and solemn responsibility to continue an active and vigorous dialogue.
Since approximately 1 in 5 World Heritage Centre sites enjoy a religious or spiritual dimension, the links binding religions with urban and social development must be recognized and further understood.
Saudi Arabia also recognizes the importance of working together with NGOs, private sectors, and promoting public-private partnerships in protecting both tangible and intangible heritage worldwide. The pursuance of the UN Sustainable Development Goals is also a priority for the Kingdom, as the world’s interfaith dialogues play a role in meeting the SDGs, ultimately creating a more peaceful and tolerant society.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting peaceful dialogue and protection of religious heritage remains steadfast. As one out of five World Heritage Sites have religious significance, Saudi Arabia’s $25 million contribution to UNESCO’s programs meant to protect heritage worldwide has served to continue the important mission of restoring, protecting, and preserving the world’s most sacred sites.
Saudi Arabia’s recent admission into the Intangible Cultural Heritage Intergovernmental Committee is also an important opportunity to continue the important bilateral work of protecting the world’s traditions and cultural heritage. As of September 2020, the Kingdom joins 20 other member states to promote the 5 Cs: credibility, conservation, capacity building, communication, and communities. These five pillars are crucial for enhancing the human ties that we all share, while celebrating the unique diversities which enrich our lives.