Baghdad: The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities for Cultural Affairs, Fadel Al-Badrani, engaged in discussions with Diaa Al-Jumaili, the Advisor to the Prime Minister for Scientific Affairs and Artificial Intelligence, on collaborative efforts in digital documentation aimed at preserving Iraq’s cultural and historical heritage.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry of Culture’s media office reported that the meeting took place at the Undersecretary’s office, focusing on the ‘Manara’ project. This national artificial intelligence initiative, supervised by the government and monitored by the Prime Minister, seeks to document and preserve Iraqi history, culture, and knowledge through the use of modern technologies.

During the meeting, the delegation assessed the project’s experiences, applications, and successes at various Iraqi universities. Discussions centered on leveraging these achievements in the cultural and heritage sectors, specifically in the documentation of heritage and the preservation of Iraq’s cultural memory.

Fadel Al-Badrani commended the technical and knowledge-based strengths of the ‘Manara’ project, highlighting the significance of employing artificial intelligence and digital technologies to bolster the cultural sector and ensure the preservation of heritage for future generations.

The meeting, which also included Ms. Shaimaa Mahmoud, Director of the Center for the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage, delved into the development of a specialized project. This project aims to digitally document and preserve intangible cultural heritage, capturing its elements, knowledge, and practices through advanced technologies.

Both parties concluded the meeting with an agreement to reconvene soon to discuss cooperation mechanisms and formulate an initial concept for the proposed project.