Conference Objectives:

The joint three-day conference organized by UNESCO Cairo, the Faculty of Archaeology at Fayoum University, and the Faculty of Archaeology at Luxor University aims to achieve the following objectives:

- Enhance Understanding of the Impacts of Climate Change: The conference seeks to deepen the understanding of the impacts of climate change on archaeological sites, artifacts, cultural landscapes, and intangible cultural heritage. By sharing scientific research, case studies, and experiences, participants will gain insights into the specific vulnerabilities and risks posed by climate change. The objective is to build a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by cultural heritage in the context of climate change.

- Foster Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Dialogue: The conference aims to foster collaboration and dialogue among experts, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community representatives from diverse fields. By bringing together a range of stakeholders, the objective is to promote interdisciplinary approaches and facilitate knowledge exchange. Participants will have the opportunity to share best practices, innovative solutions, and lessons learned, creating synergies and strengthening collective efforts in addressing climate change impacts on cultural heritage.

- Explore Technological Applications for Preservation and Documentation: The conference will focus on the application of modern technologies in the preservation, documentation, and promotion of cultural heritage in the context of climate change. Participants will explore innovative techniques such as 3D scanning, remote sensing, and data visualization, understanding their potential for assessing vulnerabilities, developing conservation strategies, and creating digital records. The objective is to identify effective technological solutions that can enhance the resilience and accessibility of cultural heritage in the face of climate change.

- Strengthen Cultural Heritage Education and Capacity Building: The conference aims to enhance cultural heritage education and capacity building efforts. By sharing experiences, curricula, and pedagogical approaches, participants will explore ways to integrate climate change considerations into cultural heritage education. The objective is to equip professionals, educators, and communities with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change on cultural heritage. This includes fostering sustainable practices, promoting community engagement, and empowering future generations.

- Safeguard Intangible Cultural Heritage in a Changing Climate: The conference recognizes the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage in the context of climate change. Participants will explore the interconnections between intangible cultural heritage, traditional ecological knowledge, and climate resilience. The objective is to develop strategies and approaches that ensure the preservation, transmission, and adaptive management of intangible cultural heritage in the face of environmental changes. This includes promoting community-led initiatives, integrating traditional knowledge, and fostering sustainable practices.

- Influence Policy and Decision-Making: The conference aims to influence policy and decision-making processes at local, national, and international levels. By synthesizing the outcomes and recommendations of the conference, the objective is to develop policy guidelines, frameworks, and advocacy tools that address the impacts of climate change on cultural heritage. By actively engaging policymakers and relevant stakeholders, the conference seeks to contribute to the development of climate-resilient cultural heritage strategies and the allocation of resources for their implementation.

By achieving these objectives, the joint conference aims to strengthen the resilience of cultural heritage in the face of climate change, promote sustainable practices, foster collaboration, and empower stakeholders to become effective custodians of our shared heritage.