Safeguarding Sudan’s Heritage in Times of Crisis: UNESCO Leads National Capacity-Building Efforts

Over the course of three days, participants engaged in intensive technical sessions covering risk management and mitigation strategies, emergency response principles based on ICCROM methodologies, preventive conservation techniques, professional handling procedures for museum objects, emergency evacuation planning, and international standards for improving museum storage and display systems.

The programme also fostered knowledge exchange between Sudanese professionals and international experts, enabling participants to contextualize global best practices within Sudan's current realities.

The workshop concluded with a set of key recommendations, including the expansion of similar capacity-building programmes across Sudan, the establishment of a national rapid response mechanism for cultural heritage, the upgrading of museum storage facilities to international standards, the strengthening of documentation and inventory systems, and the enhancement of public awareness through a national platform dedicated to safeguarding Sudanese heritage.
The closing session was attended by H.E. Dr. Girham Abdelgadir, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Information and Tourism, who underscored the critical importance of protecting cultural heritage as a national strategic priority.

"Cultural Heritage is the Sould of the Sudanese Nation." He said.

He emphasized that attacks on museums and archaeological sites constitute an assault on national identity. He called for strengthened preventive measures, enhanced legislation, and specialized mechanisms to combat illicit trafficking, while recognizing the vital role of security, police, and judicial institutions in safeguarding cultural assets. Furthermore, he expressed deep appreciation for UNESCO Sudan Office great support and valuable partnership.