Cairo, 11^th November 2015

As part of the cooperation between UNESCO Cairo Office, Ministry of Antiquities, and the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, the  #Unite4Heritage campaign will participate in the opening ceremony of the 37th Cairo International Film Festival, which is taking place today at the Cairo Opera House.

Following launch in Baghdad in March 2015, the #Unite4Heritage campaign was launched in Egypt by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova on 13 May 2015, from the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo, which was dramatically damaged in a terrorist attack by car bombing that exploded on 24 January 2014 in Port Said Street. The campaign focuses on Arab countries in response to the unprecedented attacks on the region’s cultural diversity and heritage.

Public figures and social influencers, artists and actors attending the Film Festival will be encouraged to join the #Unite4Heritage campaign by giving short statements on the importance and relevance of cultural heritage and creativity in today’s society. These statements and pictures will contribute to drawing attention to the campaign and its objectives to promote respect and care for cultural heritage and its inclusive values for us; our past and future generations; and stand against destruction, vandalism and neglect of our shared heritage.

Ms. Laila Eloui already joined as UNESCO Envoy for the #Unite4Heritage campaign. The title of Envoy will be granted during an inauguration and press conference scheduled on 21 November 2015.