The International Campaign for the Establishment of the Nubia Museum in Aswan and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo is a follow-up to the successfully completed International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia (1960- 1980). The creation of the two museums is intended to convey more knowledge about Egyptian cultural heritage – tangible and intangible – to the public. Additionally, the Nubia Museum provides room for the numerous artifacts recovered during the Save the Monuments of Nubia Campaign.

On 3 March 1982, following a request of the Egyptian government, the Director-General launched an appeal for the International Campaign, in pursuance of resolution 4/11 adopted by the General Conference in its 21st session (1980). The work towards the completion of the two museums continues actively until today. It is conducted in close cooperation between UNESCO and the Egyptian authorities and is coordinated by the Executive Committee of the International Campaign.