KUWAIT: The National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL) held a meeting Tuesday with a delegation of international experts and members of the Municipal Council to discuss the development of a national heritage strategy. The strategy aims to strengthen the preservation and sustainable management of Kuwait’s cultural and historical heritage.

Secretary-General of NCCAL Mohammad Al-Jassar, explained that the strategy is being developed in line with directives from the Kuwaiti Cabinet. Its main objective is to enhance Kuwait’s cultural and historical profile while ensuring the preservation of its national heritage for future generations. As part of this effort, NCCAL has conducted a comparative study of international heritage management approaches, evaluating the effectiveness and sustainability of these strategies at both regional and international levels. Additionally, the council assessed how these strategies align with Kuwait’s local context, including its laws and regulations for heritage preservation. After extensive study, NCCAL has selected the United Kingdom’s heritage model, which will serve as a reference for the knowledge-sharing and collaboration between the two countries.

He emphasized that the five-year strategy will require close collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and other stakeholders. Success, he said, would depend on effectively managing and preserving both tangible and intangible heritage. He added that the strategy would also serve as a foundation for promoting cultural and heritage tourism in Kuwait.

Municipal Council support

The meeting featured a presentation on the heritage management model from the United Kingdom. The UK’s approach is known for its significant international influence in the field of heritage preservation. It has established widely recognized standards, best practices, and technical guidelines that are now considered global benchmarks in heritage management. Representatives from leading British institutions in heritage preservation, including Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland, and the UK Cultural Protection Fund, participated in the meeting in collaboration with the British Council.

Abdullah Al-Mehri, Chairman of the Municipal Council, stated after the meeting that heritage is crucial for preserving national identity and strengthening citizens’ connection to their country. He reaffirmed the council’s full support for collaborating with NCCAL and other relevant agencies, to protect Kuwait’s historic sites.

Municipal Council member Hassan Kamal also emphasized the importance of heritage preservation, noting its connection to culture, history, and education. He highlighted the key role of the Municipal Council and Kuwait Municipality in supporting the strategy, particularly in safeguarding heritage sites.

Tuesday’s meeting is a key component of the international experts’ visit to Kuwait from November 24 to 26, which also includes field tours of important historical sites and discussions with relevant stakeholders. The purpose of the visit is to familiarize the experts with Kuwait’s national heritage strategy and to establish strategic partnerships that will support its successful implementation. — KUNA