Ballalou préside un atelier régional sur la préservation et la valorisation des musées
Summary of the Regional Workshop on Museum Preservation in Algeria
On Sunday, Zouhir Ballalou, Algeria’s Minister of Culture and Arts, inaugurated a regional workshop focused on the preservation and enhancement of museums and museum collections. This two-day event, held at the Palais de la Culture Moufdi Zakaria in Algiers, aimed to unify efforts and create a coordinated regional strategy for strengthening the role of museums.
The workshop was organized in collaboration with UNESCO and the Arab Organization for Education, Culture, and Sciences (ALESCO), bringing together notable figures, including Ibtissem Hamlaoui, President of the National Civil Society Observatory, Mohamed Boukhari, President of the National Economic, Social and Environmental Council, and representatives from UNESCO and ALESCO, including Karim Hendili and Humaid Al-Nofali.
Minister Ballalou emphasized that this workshop marks a significant step in Algeria’s pursuit of regional, Arab, and international cooperation. He highlighted Algeria’s commitment to protecting its cultural heritage and promoting its role in fostering cohesive societies. He noted that museums have transformed into dynamic centers of knowledge, dialogue, and cultural innovation. The Algerian government is working, as part of its action plan for culture and arts, to ensure that museums not only preserve archaeological collections but also contribute to maintaining collective memory and reinforcing national identity while aligning with sustainable development goals.
Ballalou reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with UNESCO and ALESCO to safeguard Algeria’s museum heritage and ensure its transmission to future generations. He noted the importance of this initiative in light of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s vision for good governance and the role of culture in building a new Algeria.
He emphasized the ministry’s efforts to promote cooperation with countries sharing similar principles, geared towards developing a shared vision for the future of museums, which would enhance cultural security, preserve memory, and invest in the creative economy.
Karim Hendili, a UNESCO Culture program representative, highlighted the significance of holding this international meeting in Algeria, coinciding with the closing of the month of heritage (April 18 to May 18) and International Museum Day. This timing underscores the focus on the current status of museums in the region and the need for effective ways to strengthen regional cooperation, share expertise, and support countries working to enhance the role of museums amid contemporary challenges.
Humaid Al-Nofali from ALESCO praised Algeria’s efforts in preserving museum heritage and protecting collections for future generations. He mentioned ALESCO’s dedication to promoting successful experiences, particularly Algeria’s, to other Arab countries through training workshops, which aim to enhance and value museums.
During the workshop, experts will review the implementation of UNESCO’s recommendation regarding the protection and promotion of museums and their collections. They will also explore solutions to overcome current challenges facing museums and enhance regional cooperation, aiming to formulate recommendations that will secure the future of museums in the region.
In summary, the workshop symbolizes Algeria’s commitment to cultural preservation and its proactive role in regional collaboration aimed at fostering an enriching museum environment. The initiatives discussed and partnerships formed during this gathering are crucial for nurturing cultural heritage and ensuring that future generations can experience and learn from their nation’s history.
