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AUS Seminar Highlights Youth’s Role in Cultural Heritage Preservation.


Sharjah: The American University of Sharjah (AUS) has hosted an on-campus seminar titled “Conveying Cultural Significance: The Role of Youth, Media and Communication in Valuing and Protecting Cultural Heritage” in collaboration with Anasy Media. The event, held under the patronage of Sheikha Alyazia bint Nahyan Al Nahyan, First Extraordinary Ambassador for Culture for the Arab League’s Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO), emphasised the pivotal role of youth in preserving cultural heritage.

According to Emirates News Agency, the seminar explored how media and communication strategies can enhance the appreciation of culture, emphasising youth engagement and innovative storytelling. It covered the role of film, guides, and museums in fostering public connection to heritage, showcasing creative approaches to inspire community involvement and cultural preservation.

Dr. Varkki Pallathucheril, Dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at AUS, opened the seminar by highligh
ting the media’s powerful role in connecting generations and celebrating cultural heritage. Mohammed Mamdouh, Assistant Professor of Architecture and Design at CAAD, discussed the region’s rich storytelling traditions, reminding the audience of how cultural literacy has long influenced film.

The event’s visual highlight came from Dr. Zaki Aslan, Professor of Practice at CAAD, who showcased a film from the Community Museums Project in Sudan. The film illustrated how museums can serve as vibrant hubs that bring communities together and preserve cultural practices.

Dhekra Ouali, Cultural Advisor to the Cultural Ambassador for ALECSO, provided an overview of the Arab Cultural Guide Programme launched in 2022 by Sheikha Alyazia bint Nahyan in partnership with ALECSO and the Arab Organisation of Museums, emphasising youth empowerment and the importance of preserving cultural identity.

Ezzeldin Hajjaj, the first-place winner of the Cultural Guide Competition for Sustainable Ideas and Projects, illustrated how d
igital tools can connect people to their heritage and underlined the importance of using technology to foster intercultural understanding. Haifa Beseisso, Content Creator and YouTuber, shared her experiences in using social media to promote Arab culture, including impactful workshops that engaged and inspired youth.

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