Unite4Heritage CAMPAIGN
#Unite4Heritage focuses primarily on Arab countries, but also the world in general, in response to the recent unprecedented attacks on the region’s cultural diversity and heritage. We see the intentional destruction of irreplaceable landmarks, the systematic persecution of people on the basis of their ethnic and religious identities, the looting of cultural objects to finance extremist groups, and shocking violations of human rights, including cultural rights.
To drive their campaign of cultural cleansing, violent extremists are using all forms of media – especially social media – to propagate hatred, especially targeting young minds. #Unite4Heritage seeks to counter this propaganda of hatred with messages of unity, tolerance and solidarity. To build peace tomorrow, we need to defend our common heritage of diversity and tolerance today.
The #Unite4Heritage campaign uses the power of social networks to create a global movement with young people for them to raise their voice and take action for the safeguarding of heritage under threat and to provide a counter-narrative to sectarian propaganda in Arab Countries and elsewhere.
The #Unite4Heritage campaign was first launched globally by the UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova on 28 March 2015 in Baghdad, Iraq. On this occasion UNESCO Director-General declared: “When violent extremists say humanity is not a single community that shares values, when they say world heritage doesn’t exist, when they say pre-Islamic heritage is idolatry, when they say that diversity is dangerous, that tolerance and dialogue are unacceptable - we must respond”. “We must respond by showing that exchange and dialogue between cultures are the driving force of all of history. We must show that diversity has always been and remains today a strength for all societies”. “Together, we will put forward a new humanist narrative of shared values, of humanity as a single family”. “Today, we send a clear and resounding message – we do not accept cultural cleansing and we stand together to do everything we can to stop it”.
In Egypt, #Unite4Heritage is being launched on 13 May at the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo, in cooperation with the Ministry of Antiquities and the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO. The launch will be followed over the next two months by a series of initiatives, ranging from public stands in front of the Pyramids, participation in talk shows and declarations by prominent artists and public figures designated as “Heritage Envoys”. Schools will also be highly involved, with children dedicating special days to the campaign, and participating in youth forums and a logo design competition supported by social network initiatives.
For more information about the campaign, visit the official website:
Follow our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Unite4Heritage-in-Egypt-691660214294144/
Campaign News and Activities:
13/05/2015 Launching of the campaign at Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), Cairo
18/05/2015 International Museum Day celebration at Gayer Anderson Museum,
25/05/2015 Museum Education at Badr School, Alexandria
02/06/2015 Cleaning Day at Al-Fustat
24/10/2015 Unite4Heritage campaign Participates in the celebration of the UN70
25/10/2015 Launching Artwork4Heritage Competition
11/11/2015 #Unite4Heritage Campaign at 37th Cairo International Film Festival
22/11/2015 Inauguration ceremony of Ms. Laila Eloui as #Unite4Heritage envoy
04/12/2015 1500 Young People Show Support for Heritage at the Great Pyramid in