UNESCO resumes operations in Syria after 14-year hiatus
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced on Tuesday the resumption of its operations in Syria, marking an end to a 14-year hiatus following the suspension of cooperation with the former Syrian regime.
In a statement published on its official website, UNESCO said it has launched a new initiative aimed at providing urgent relief to support the rehabilitation of the National Museum of Damascus. This marks the organization’s first step toward re-engagement with Syria’s cultural sector.
The organization noted that the project, carried out in cooperation with the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums, focuses on “critical first-aid measures to enhance the Museum’s physical infrastructure, strengthen overall management, improve storage and security conditions to prevent further damage, and initiate the restoration and digital preservation of Syria’s invaluable documentary heritage.”
UNESCO explained that this initiative falls under a new action plan unanimously adopted by the organization’s Executive Board last April. The resolution, submitted by Germany, seeks to support Syria’s transitional phase through targeted programs in culture, education, and recovery.
The initial budget for the project is $175,000 and will fund a comprehensive set of activities. These include emergency preparedness planning, artifact restoration, digitization of the documentary archive, and specialized training in areas such as inventory management, museology, and heritage education.