The Libyan Education Minister, Musa Al-Maqreif has announced efforts to register 21 archaeological sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This announcement took place during a ceremony marking the delivery of certificates for the registration of these 21 sites on the heritage list in the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO).
“We are working on registering these sites on the UNESCO list, through the ISESCO organization. We call for the formation of technical committees and workshops to preserve and protect this heritage,” Al-Maqreif.
Minister of Culture, Mabrouka Tougi stated during the ceremony that Libya is “rich in numerous historical and cultural sites. It is important for all cultural institutions to work on the positives of our civilization, and cultural heritage,” Tougi said.
The ceremony featured a detailed presentation of all approved sites, including the delivery of certificates to representatives of the sites present at the event.
In attendance were the Ministers of Education and Tourism and Acting Minister of Traditional Industries, the President of Tripoli University, several ambassadors, and representatives from diplomatic missions accredited to Libya.
In November, Tougi declared the country’s goal to secure a place for all its heritage sites on the World Heritage List, emphasising the drive to protect and promote Libya’s rich cultural tapestry.
In her address at the 42nd UNESCO General Conference, Tougi discussed Libya’s recent accession to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. She expressed hope for consolidating national efforts to amplify Libya’s cultural presence internationally, and ensure all its sites gain the recognition they deserve.
In a significant move, Al-Maqaryf presented Libya’s ratification document for the convention at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters, signifying Libya’s commitment to global cultural standards and preservation.
The ratification follows a unanimous decision by Libya’s Parliamentary decree number 9 of 2022, and further endorsement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.