Jeddah: The 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World adopted the Jeddah Declaration, emphasizing the critical need to combat illicit trafficking in cultural property and advocating for the return of stolen items to their countries of origin.

According to Kuwait News Agency, the conference, which began yesterday, was organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Culture. The declaration highlighted the importance of developing technical and cultural programs accessible to all societal groups, while also organizing conferences and seminars to support authors’ rights and related rights within the Islamic World.

The declaration called for heightened awareness regarding the protection of cultural rights and the development of individual talents. It stressed the need for intensified efforts to safeguard heritage in the Islamic World, particularly in regions affected by conflicts or natural disasters. The preservation of heritage, especially those listed on the world heritage list, was deemed a significant responsibility for the international community.

Additionally, the declaration underscored the value of enhancing international partnerships and collaborations with various organizations and institutions to share expertise and develop joint strategies for cultural heritage protection. The document also expressed full support for Saudi Arabia to host the “Mondiacult” Conference in 2029.

Kuwait participated in the conference with a delegation led by the Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, Mohammad Al-Jassar. Included in the delegation were acting Assistant Secretary General of the NCCAL’s museum and monuments sector, Mohammad bin Redha, Charg© d’Affaires at the Consulate General of Kuwait in Jeddah, Minister Plenipotentiary Nasser Al-Khalidi, along with other Kuwaiti officials.