Fin des travaux de l’atelier sur la préservation et la promotion des musées et des collections muséales
Summary of the International Workshops on Museums
The international workshop titled "Preservation and Promotion of Museums and Museum Collections, their Diversity and Role in Society" concluded on Monday at the Palais de la Culture Moufdi-Zakaria in Algiers. The event emphasized the need to revitalize museums by updating them to meet current societal challenges and integrating new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.
Organized by the Ministry of Culture and Arts under the leadership of Minister Zouhir Ballalou, the high-level regional meeting was coordinated in collaboration with UNESCO and ALECSO, featuring experts, museum directors, and professionals from various countries and global organizations focused on cultural heritage preservation.
In his closing address, Minister Ballalou expressed satisfaction that the workshop met its ambitious goals through rich discussions, diverse perspectives, and inspiring shared experiences. He highlighted a collective awareness of the importance of museums, which are no longer seen strictly as places for preserving memory but also as inclusive spaces that foster dialogue, understanding, and a sense of belonging.
Throughout the workshop, speakers demonstrated how museums can adapt to contemporary challenges, both in terms of addressing threats to cultural properties and utilizing digital tools to expand their influence and accessibility within society. Minister Ballalou indicated that the workshop’s outcomes would serve as a foundational framework for developing museum policies and enhancing cooperation among participating countries. He urged translating the results into concrete programs and participative initiatives that strengthen museums’ resilience and foster a deeper connection with the public.
The minister acknowledged the event’s success was due to the collective efforts and dedication of all participants. He reaffirmed his department’s commitment to sustaining the momentum of this initiative by supporting regional efforts and actively engaging in the protection and adaptation of cultural heritage to contemporary changes.
The conclusion of the workshop attracted notable attendees, including Eric Falt, the regional director of UNESCO for the Maghreb, representatives of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in Africa, participants from various nations, UNESCO experts, and national museum directors. Algeria was represented by a distinguished group of university experts, national museum officials, and representatives from justice, national security, and civil protection sectors, underscoring the inclusive and participatory nature of the regional meeting.
The workshop took place over two days (May 18-19, 2025), coinciding with the conclusion of the Heritage Month (April 18-May 18) and the celebration of International Museum Day (May 18 each year). This alignment highlights Algeria’s commitment to its regional and international role in cultural heritage preservation and promoting culture as a lever for development and intercultural dialogue.
