UAE Reaffirms Commitment to Safeguarding Cultural Heritage at ACHA General Assembly in China
The United Arab Emirates, represented by the Ministry of Culture, participated in the Second General Assembly of the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia (ACHA), held in Chongqing, China, from 26 to 29 November 2025. The gathering brought together ministers of culture, senior officials, and experts from more than 20 countries to discuss collaborative strategies for cultural heritage preservation.
His Excellency Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, led the UAE delegation and delivered the opening address. He emphasized the Assembly’s significance as a platform for enhancing regional and global cooperation to protect shared human heritage.
H.E. Al Nakhi noted that cultural preservation remains a national priority for the UAE, where creative and heritage industries play a central role in sustainable development. He highlighted the country’s international contributions, including more than USD 50.4 million dedicated to Iraq’s Revive the Spirit of Mosul initiative, as well as support for numerous global projects that foster intercultural dialogue and protect historical assets.
He further stressed the UAE’s active role as a founding member of ACHA, collaborating with partner states to advance joint frameworks across scientific research, restoration, digital documentation, and the preservation of both tangible and intangible heritage. He added that member countries are also working collectively to tackle modern challenges such as climate change, natural disasters and conflicts.
The Assembly featured discussions on joint international initiatives, the introduction of new funding mechanisms, and the growing interest from additional nations seeking to join the Alliance. A key decision finalised during the meetings was the adoption of Chongqing as the permanent headquarters of ACHA’s Scientific and Technical Committee General Secretariat, reflecting a broader global movement toward adopting advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to protect cultural assets.
Participants also underlined the importance of enhancing member states’ capabilities to mitigate risks associated with natural disasters and armed conflicts, while strengthening legal and technical frameworks to ensure sustainable global heritage preservation.
The UAE’s active participation in the Assembly reaffirms its ongoing commitment to supporting the Alliance since its inception. The nation continues to play a pivotal role in shaping institutional structures and advancing joint efforts in research, restoration and capacity building, reinforcing its dedication to safeguarding cultural heritage at both regional and international levels.
