MUSCAT – The conference, from November 17 to 19, is held under the patronage of His Excellency Ibrahim bin Said Al Busaidi, Governor of Musandam, and in the presence of His Excellency Salem bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, along with a select group of researchers, academics and specialists in the field of cultural property.

The conference aims to highlight the role of the Sultanate of Oman in protecting cultural property, enhance its international participation in combating and addressing this phenomenon, and emphasize the importance of intensifying efforts, cooperation and exchange of experiences to protect and preserve cultural property.

The conference also seeks to highlight the concept of illicit trafficking in cultural property; promote cultural communication regionally and internationally; introduce the cultural and civilisational heritage of the Sultanate of Oman; discuss best practices, procedures and precautionary measures in combating illicit trafficking in cultural property; review local, regional and international efforts to combat this phenomenon; successful experiences and stories in returning and repatriating cultural property to its country of origin; discuss the role of conservation, maintenance and restoration techniques and programmes in preserving tangible cultural heritage; as well as highlighting the role of technology in its spread and the mechanism of its use, limiting and combating it.

This conference coincides with the International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property, which falls on November 14th of each year, and which was established by UNESCO to raise awareness of the importance of combating this phenomenon and protecting the common human heritage.
His Excellency Engineer Ibrahim bin Saeed Al Kharousi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage, opened the conference with a speech in which he stated: “Protecting cultural heritage is not only a national responsibility, but a global humanitarian duty, given that these properties represent a shared civilizational memory that preserves the history, identity, and authentic features of peoples throughout the ages. The international community recognized early on the danger of the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage, due to the enormous losses it causes to nations and the obliteration of their cultural identity.

“Hence came the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, which many countries have joined, affirming their commitment to the principles of preserving the common human heritage. The importance of protecting cultural, civilizational, and human heritage lies in its representation of the identity of peoples and a human dimension, and in the cultural, economic, social, and political dimensions of this heritage. We also emphasize the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to and support for regional efforts and international cooperation to protect cultural property from illicit trafficking, which has negative dimensions and consequences that affect peoples and their identity and lead to the loss of a part of their cultural heritage.”

His Excellency added: “It is a source of pride to confirm that the Sultanate of Oman was among the first countries to join this Convention, based on its deep belief in the importance of protecting and preserving cultural heritage from tampering and destruction, and in embodiment of its firm approach to respecting international laws that promote cooperation and solidarity among peoples. In this context, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is making diligent efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property, through the enactment of national laws and legislation, the development of monitoring and documentation mechanisms, and the building of national capacities in the fields of protection and maintenance, in addition to continuous cooperation with international and regional organizations to exchange experiences and enhance community awareness of the importance of protecting and preserving cultural heritage.”

Salah Khaled, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, also delivered a speech in which he said: “It is an honour to join you today on this important occasion, as the Regional Conference on Combating Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property is launched, generously hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for hosting this conference, which reflects our collective commitment to protecting and preserving our shared cultural heritage. Protecting cultural property is a shared global responsibility; it is fundamental to cultural diversity and the building of peaceful and inclusive societies, and it is a firm commitment.”

UNESCO remains steadfast. It is no secret that the illicit trafficking of cultural property poses a threat that extends far beyond the mere theft of tangible artifacts. It strikes at the very heart of a society’s identity, undermines cultural heritage, and severs the links between generations. In conflict-affected areas, particularly across the Arab world and beyond, we have witnessed the devastating impact of cultural heritage loss. Today, as we discuss innovative approaches, share experiences, and explore avenues for cooperation, we call for a strengthened collective resolve to confront this pervasive threat. In recent years, the risks associated with the illicit trafficking of cultural property have intensified, particularly with the rise in armed conflict, weak legislation, growing global demand, the ease of online sales, and the economic crises and natural disasters. Organized crime networks also exploit this trade to finance their activities, further increasing the risks to global cultural heritage.

The Sultanate of Oman, as one of the first countries to adopt the aforementioned UNESCO conventions, has played a significant role in addressing these challenges by raising awareness, enacting appropriate legislation, and engaging key stakeholders in preventive measures. Only through such comprehensive efforts can we create a suitable framework for protecting cultural heritage, establishing dialogue, and strengthening regional cooperation.

The discussions at the conference over the two days present a valuable opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to protecting cultural heritage.

Sultan bin Saif Al-Bakri, Advisor to His Excellency the Minister of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage Affairs, delivered a speech in which he stated: “The convening of the Regional Conference on Combating Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property reinforces cooperation and the consolidation of regional and international efforts to protect tangible cultural heritage and safeguard it from illicit practices that violate the civilizational and historical legacy of peoples, such as looting, pillaging, tampering with archaeological sites, and the illicit trafficking of movable cultural property removed from its archaeological context. Therefore, preserving this cultural heritage is a shared national, regional, and international responsibility. We gather today around a noble goal and a shared responsibility: preserving cultural heritage, which bears witness to the civilization and cultures of nations, embodies their historical identity, and serves as a means to enhance human and civilizational communication across the ages. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has given considerable attention to protecting cultural heritage and combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property by raising community awareness, building the capacities of relevant authorities, and taking the necessary actions and measures, in addition to strengthening continuous communication and coordination with relevant regional and international institutions, thus embodying the Sultanate’s role in safeguarding cultural heritage.”

The conference opening coincided with the launch of the guide to cultural property vulnerable to illicit trafficking and the screening of a video showcasing the Sultanate of Oman’s efforts in the field of cultural heritage. The accompanying exhibition was also inaugurated, displaying a number of archaeological and cultural artifacts seized at various border crossings, as well as artifacts handed over by citizens to the Ministry to bolster national heritage protection efforts.

The exhibition also featured items confiscated according to established legal procedures, including stone and shell necklaces, silver coins, bronze and copper spearheads, statues, and metal seals dating back to ancient times. Furthermore, the exhibition included distinguished archaeological artifacts and rare meteorite samples, highlighting the Ministry’s efforts and various programs in protecting geological heritage and documenting meteorite samples. This documentation aims to educate visitors about the importance of these samples in studying the history of the solar system, planetary evolution, and Earth sciences. The exhibition also showcased the equipment and tools used to detect prohibited materials and goods at land, air, and sea ports, in cooperation with the General Directorate of Customs.