Sharjah: The Heritage Conference, at the conclusion of its third edition organized by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage at its headquarters, recommended developing digital platforms, expanding field documentation programs, and utilizing artificial intelligence applications in collecting, archiving, and analyzing oral heritage while preserving its privacy and authenticity. It also recommended supporting scientific research, strengthening partnerships between cultural institutions and universities, integrating oral heritage into educational curricula, empowering youth to contribute to its preservation and transmission, and expanding Arab and international cooperation in the field of intangible cultural heritage.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the conference, which concluded yesterday evening after four days of scholarly and intellectual exchange, brought together a distinguished group of scholars, researchers, academics, and experts from Arab countries in an intellectual gathering that solidified Sharjah’s position as a beacon of cultural dialogue and a leading Arab platform for envisioning the future of intangible cultural heritage amidst rapid digital transformations.
The conference, held under the theme “Oral Traditions in a Changing World: From Live Performance to Digital Media,” presented a model for employing scientific research in service of heritage. It combined profound theoretical grounding with the horizons of digital innovation within a cultural vision that believes preserving heritage is not limited to its mere preservation, but extends to renewing the tools of its presence and sustaining its impact on human consciousness. The conference also created a space for knowledge, fostering future visions of oral traditions and strengthening integration among cultural institutions, universities, and research centers. This integration aims to solidify the position of heritage as a pillar of national identity and a living memory for nations.
The conference addressed a range of intellectual and methodological issues related to oral traditions, from establishing their concepts and cultural functions to the challenges of preserving them in the digital age. It also explored the use of artificial intelligence and modern technologies in collecting, documenting, archiving, and analyzing these traditions. Furthermore, the conference reviewed Arab experiences that enriched the discussion and offered practical models for protecting intangible cultural heritage.
The conference witnessed the signing of 35 new publications in the fields of heritage, popular culture, and specialized studies. This reflects the research activity led by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and its role in enriching the Arabic library, enhancing specialized scholarly production, and establishing a culture of authorship and documentation as a cornerstone of heritage protection and sustainability.