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The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, UNESCO and Sweden partnered to establish and launch the Palestinian Virtual Museum
Ramallah Palestine 20122021 In framework of the support to the Palestinian Cultural Heritage through the project Local Development through the Rehabilitation and Revitalization of Historic Environment in Palestine funded by Sweden through Sida UNESCO and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities MoTA joined forces to support museums as repositories for heritage and identity In light of the role museums play in enriching Palestinian human capital MoTA and UNESCO partnered to establish the first Virtual Museum of Archaeological Objects representing the history and culture of Palestine The Virtual Museum was established as a response to the challenges imposed by the outbreak of the COVID19 in Palestine and the need for multiple sources of knowledge with reliable scientific materials especially in the time of recurring home confinement to help students and their families in distance learning processes The Virtual Museum is a platform developed by Palestinian experts with simple tools to facilitate accessibility and foster an understanding of history through archaeology using attractive methods It comprises a collection of more than 40 digitized magnificent artifacts that were used as tools in peoples daily lives and found during archaeological missions in various locations in Palestine The Museum also portrays five major historical periods in Palestine through scientific chronological descriptions The Virtual Museum platform through its website and mobile phone application provides an opportunity for students and knowledgeseekers to have an overview of the Palestinian history and related cultural heritage objects from the Paleolithic period until the end of the British Mandate period ended in 1948 This Museum enables the visitor to see a digital copy of the artifacts that corresponds to reality where heshe can see their shapes colors materials by moving and rotating them in different directions thanks to the 3D scanning read and listen to a brief explanation about them and how they were used in their original environment UNESCO and MoTA considers this museum and its content as a solid basis and a nucleus of a larger initiative that aims to document and display thousands of Palestinian artifacts for educational and research purposes Such a Museum will present to the Palestinian youth and general public treasures found in the land of Palestine and will show how these treasures contributed to the development of human civilization The project was implemented in partnership between UNESCO National Office for Palestine and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities with financial support from Sweden The partners would like to express their sincere appreciation for and thanks to all those who contributed to this important and scientific achievement You are invited to visit the Virtual Museum on httpsvirtualmuseumtourismps  You may watch the User Guide Video on YouTube via this link httpsyoutubeG3cG3hlHEUM     
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From the Palestinian Bearers of Heritage to the UNESCO’s Representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage 2003 Convention was adopted in 2003 entered into force in 2006 and at present December 2021 180 States ratified it The main goals of this Convention are to find new ways to speak about safeguard to valorize to facilitate transmission and to deal with traditional culture to celebrate cultural diversity and to involve more actors like communities and groups In 2011 Palestine was admitted to the UNESCO as a Member State since that time Palestine has become a party to several UNESCO treaties and cultural conventions The Palestinian community and institutions have realized the role played by intangible cultural heritage in the social cultural and economic aspects of life but also the dangers threatening its viability and continuity identity and belonging which made Palestinians aware of the need to fill the gap that exists between the threats they are facing and the possibilities offered by UNESCO treaties and international cooperation instruments in this respect On 15 December 2021 and during the 16th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held virtually from UNESCO Headquarters in Paris the art of embroidery in Palestine practices skills knowledge and rituals has been added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity Prior to 1948 embroidery was an important focus in the lives of rural and Bedouins women Its main canvas was the thoub which was worn both daily and on special occasions However Palestinian embroidery is more than just a practical decoration of work of clothes or pieces It is a connection between stiches and public sphere The people of Palestine and in diaspora highly welcomed the inclusion of the art of embroidery as it is considered as a symbol of Palestinian history evolution and identity alike During the same meeting on Tuesday 14 December a shared nomination was put forward by a coalition of 16 Arabicspeaking countries and upon a positive recommendation from the Evaluation Body the Arabic Calligraphy knowledge Skills and practices has been also inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage for Humanity Arabic calligraphy is the artistic practice of handwriting Arabic script in a fluid manner to convey harmony grace and beauty States parties should develop together networks of communities experts centres of expertise and research institutes to develop joint approaches particularly concerning the elements of intangible cultural heritage they have in common as well as interdisciplinary approaches ODs p86 For Palestine this inscription is considered as a major step towards collaboration and cooperation with other Arab States and respective culture for the calligraphy to be a driver for peace and cultural diplomacy Intangible cultural heritage ICH made up of all manifestations of culture represents the variety of living heritage of humanity as well as the most important vehicle of cultural diversity The ICH is represented by the bearers of heritage within the communities and is considered crucial for the connection of cultural identity Its viability is a response to the historical and evolution of the communities and groups concerned Therefore it is important to safeguard and preserve ICH by constant practicing as a living heritage and using modern technological tools In this context it is mandatory to preserve the endangered traditions such as traditional knowhow indigenous knowledge popular rituals carried out to bring prosperity and socioeconomic sustainable development for Palestine  
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AI and Coding training is changing students’ lives in Palestine
The innovation and commitment of our students makes this story a Success Story Engineers Ahmad and Jihad felt a sheer sense of pride as they listened to their students presenting their innovative work
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Introducing the Life and Work Skills Toolbox
Ramallah 2 December 2021 Within the framework of the project Increasing TVET Competencies for Youth in the Palestinian Labour Market supported by the Belgian Development Agency Enabel and in cooperation with the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute MAS UNESCO Ramallah organized a workshop to introduce the Life and Work Skills Toolbox The toolbox was developed by UNESCO Beirut Office and contextualized for Palestine under the umbrella of the Youth Employment in the Mediterranean project funded by the European Union previously  The workshop gathered around 35 participants from the TVET Commission Ministry of Education Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ministry of Labour higher education institutions and experts in order to provide feedback on the developed toolbox  It was a platform to introduce UNESCOs approach in building the capacities of youth on different types of skills technical and life skills and Green TVET to help them to access the labour market  In Palestine there is a gap between the skills of youth acquired during their higher education studies and what is requested by the employers This is adding to the reasons of high unemployment rates both in the West Bank and Gaza Strip UNESCO Ramallah is planning to  utilize the revised toolbox to stimulate youth employment and entrepreneurship and to improve the skills relevant to todays labour market needs    This contextualized tool will be utilized through conducting training to enhance the missing technical transversal and digital skills within at least 20 TVET mapped specializations The trainings for youth will be organized with the line Ministries and private sector to empower the  capacities of youth and to  facilitate their access to the labour market    
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UNESCO Ramallah Office in Promoting Palestinian Tourism Digitally and Virtually
UNESCO Ramallah Office is pleased to announce the contribution to the December 2021 issue of This Week in Palestine magazine under the theme Promoting Palestinian Tourism Digitally and Virtually by publishing an article on the first Palestinian Virual Museum in this issue     The Virtual Museum In 2019 the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities MoTA in cooperation with the Ministry of Education MoE and the Palestinian National Commission for Education Culture and Science inaugurated the educational Traveling Museum It was established with the aim to enhance students awareness of Palestinian history and cultural heritage through the presentation of archaeological artifacts that date from the Paleolithic period until the midtwentieth century Since the museum was not able to travel during the height of the pandemic UNESCO Ramallah Office partnered with MoTA and with generous support from Sweden worked to present the museums objects through a virtual platform that allowed students and the public to visit and interact You may visit the website of the museum through this link to learn more
Press release
Media Information Literacy as public good National Conference in Palestine
Ramallah Gaza 30th of November Joint Release The UNESCO Office in Palestine in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education has launched the National Media and Information Literacy MIL Conference Nine civil society organizations active in the field of media and information media experts educators and students participated in the Conference
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16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
UNESCO Ramallah Office took part in the 16 Days of Activism against GenderBased Violence GBV under 2021 theme Women and girls Safe at home online in the street at work and in society as a whole The international campaign starts each year on the 25th of November the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and ends on the 10th of December Human Rights Day The 16 days are used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls This year UNESCO Ramallah Office in cooperation with Radio Philistia organized a series of three radio episodes to contribute to the campaign and to raise awareness on the issue of GBV in Palestine Click on the link below to watch the recorded episodes   We All Have A Role To Play Ending GenderBased Violence Against Women Is Possible If We Stand Together 16days   Programme   29112021 at 7pm Ramallah time  Online Violence Against Palestinian Female Journalists  watch here  06122021 at 7pm Ramallah time  Unequal Burden On Female Students And Working Women Due To Covid19  watch here  08122021 at 7pm Ramallah time  Arts As A Way To Raise Awareness On Violence Against Women And Fight Gender Stereotypes watch here   
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UNESCO & Al-Quds Open University Launch a New Project on Media and Information Literacy
Ramallah October 26  In the framework of the Media and Information Literacy Week 2021 UNESCO Ramallah and AlQuds Open University launch a new project on the Assessing Media Institutions Strategic Management and Extending Media Literacy in the Palestinian Higher Education The meeting organized in the form of a round table was the opportunity to discuss collaboration with media educators and stakeholders towards the achievement of the projects objectives This project was successfully granted financial support by the Special Account for the International Programme for the Development of Communication IPDC  It was approved by the IPDC Bureau at its 65th meeting in June 2021 and will be implemented in three phases between November 2021 and June 2022 a Assessing the media institutions through research and study b Capacity building sessions c development of the Media information Literacy curriculum for Higher Education institutions This project will be executed in close coordination with UNESCO Ramallah office  The annual Global Media and Information Literacy MIL Week initiated in 2012 is led by UNESCO in cooperation with the UNESCO MIL Alliance the UNESCOUNAOC MIL and Intercultural Dialogue MILID University Network and other partners It is a major occasion for stakeholders to review and celebrate the progress achieved towards Media and Information Literacy for All The tenth Global Media and Information Literacy MIL Week will be commemorated from 24 to 31 October 2021 and will be hosted by South Africa Global MIL Week 2021 highlights will include the eleventh MIL and Intercultural Dialogue Conference and sixth Youth Agenda Forum
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Inclusive Education Training for Education Supervisors and Inclusive Education Counselors
Ramallah October 12 Under its project MultiYear Resilience Programme  for The State of Palestine 20192021 funded by Education Cannot Wait  UNESCO and the Ministry of Education launched a two day training on inclusive education The Center for Continuing Education at Birzeit University implemented the workshop in which 60 special education supervisors and inclusive education counselors from 11 governorates in the West Bank attended the training The workshop is a part of series of inclusive education trainings for teachers educational counselors and schools principles to provide them with the practical skills and knowledge to implement quality childfriendly and inclusive education Nida Al Adra Inclusive Education Counselor from South Hebrons Education Directorate This is an opportunity to share experiences related to inclusive education among counselors and supervisors I will be happy to reflect what I have learned during the training to ensure the implementation of inclusive education practices in schools in my area
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Educational supervisor training
Ramallah October 18 Within the framework of the project Developing Digital skills and Education for Sustainable Development through Distance Learning in Palestine funded by Japan UNESCO Ramallah and the Ministry of Education launched training to produce educational videos for the Palestine Educational TV Channel The training on educational design technical skills and best practice guidelines took place at AlQuds Open University in Ramallah starting 1825 October 2021 The training targeted 30 key trainers over 25 training hours It will be followed by the training of 75 teachers in various governorates around the country   UNESCO Ramallahs Education Unit supports the Ministry of Education in achieving its distance learning goals by developing and enhancing the Palestine Educational broadcast channel through the provision of devices and equipment as well as building the capacities of educational supervisors teachers and TV staff to improve their digital and 21st century skills   Tharwat Zaid Assistant DeputyMinister at the Ministry of Education emphasized It is important to incorporate technology in education and there is a need to break away from the traditional pattern of education to a more interactive and childcentered approach We need to make transition from quantity to quality education to ensure the active participation of students in the learning process
Press release
The Opening of the Old Hebron Museum
Hebron 14 October 2021 UNESCO Hebron Rehabilitation Committee HRC the Consulate General of Sweden in Jerusalem and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities with the participation of local and international partners celebrated the inauguration of the Old Hebron Museum after completing the rehabilitation of the abandoned historic building of Palestine Hotel From the iconic Palestine Hotel to a museum with exhibitions envisaged to present stories from Hebron Old Hebron Museum is poised to welcome local and international visitors The premises overlooks the traditional and historic urban fabric of the Old Town of Hebron which is inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage list since 2017 In his opening remarks Mr Göran Paulsson the Head of the Swedish Development Cooperation highlighted the long history of Swedens support to the cultural heritage in Palestine and its role in job creation and the preservation of collective memory and identity He stated that since its inception in 2012 the partnership between Sweden and UNESCO enabled the rehabilitation of 75 cultural heritage sites in various Palestinian localities with a total amount of over USD 1829 million The Old Hebron Museum now becomes on top of this list Ms Noha Bawazir UNESCO representative to Palestine described the museum building as a masterpiece that bears witness to the unique mission and principles of UNESCO where architectural heritage conservation is connected to the safeguarding of the narratives of Hebron inhabitants and the stories of the past and present She added to achieve this UNESCO provided all the support needed to enable the museums operationalization  Ms Bawazir thanked all those who contributed to preserving this distinctive landmark and expressed her gratitude to Sweden for the continued support and generous donation over the past years The rehabilitation of the museum started in 2018 with generous funding from Sweden as a showcase for Hebrons rich history and contemporary life UNESCO provided technical support to HRC in the comprehensive documentation of the building as well as in providing the museums design and museography furniture and equipment in addition to supporting the preparation of its content In her closing remarks HE Ms Rula Maayeh highlighted that Hebron had been named as World Craft City in 2016 which indicates the rich experience the city can offer to its visitors and the inauguration of the Old Hebron Museum after years of neglect and abandonment will definetly contribute to spreading a bright image of Hebrons rich culture and history HE also stressed the need to unite all efforts to bring life back inside the Old Town of Hebron and promote tourism there stressing the Ministrys readiness for support and cooperation with all partners and stakeholders Participated in the inauguration the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities HE Ms Rula Maaya Head of Development Cooperation at the Consulate General of Sweden in Jerusalem Göran Paulsson Governor of Hebron Mr Jibrin Al Bakri Mayor of Hebron Mr Tayseer Abu Snieneh Secretary General of the Palestinian National Commission for Education Culture and Science Dawas Dawas and UNESCO Representative and Head of Ramallah Office Ms Noha Bawazir The ceremony was moderated by the General Director of Hebron Rehabilitation Committee Mr Imad Hamdan
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UNESCO supports the culture sector in the Gaza Strip
In May 2021 a 11day conflict in the Gaza Strip led to the complete or partial destruction of important cultural infrastructure including educational and cultural facilities and institutions as well as material losses in equipment archives art collections and rare books among others With the aim to assess comprehensively the impact on the cultural sector in Gaza the UNESCO Ramallah Office through support from the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund is conducting a series of activities including a PostDisaster Needs Assessment PDNA capacitybuilding workshops as well as urgent interventions for cultural centers practitioners and artists in Gaza The key urgent interventions include the implementation of workshops in the field of music theatre and fine arts specifically designed for artists who were affected by the conflict Targeted psychosocial support will also be provided to traumatized youth and children by giving them the opportunity to engage in interactive activities and to express themselves through artistic means Tania Mourtaja the Executive Director of Ayyam Al Masrah Theatre Day Productions in Gaza and with whom UNESCO is partnering to implement some of these interventions said Our drama scripts usually mirror the trainees own narratives and reflections With the support of UNESCO and through our experienced trainers we will be using theatre as a tool for healing where the participants will have the chance to express themselves UNESCO is also launching this month urgent stabilization and consolidation works at the historic building of ElWehidi House which will serve as a new premises for the Basma Society for Culture and Arts whose former home was lost during the conflict These activities are part of the activity PostDisaster Needs Assessment and urgent interventions in the Gaza Strip supported by the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund through the generous support of the following donors the Qatar Fund for Development the Kingdom of Norway the French Republic the Government of Canada the Principality of Monaco ANA Holdings INC the Republic of Estonia the Kingdom of the Netherlands the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg the Principality of Andorra the Slovak Republic and the Republic of Serbia
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UNESCO and AWRAD launch a new Study on Journalists' Safety Indicators (JSI) in the West Bank and Gaza
On 6 September  2021 the UNESCO office in Ramallah and the Arab World Center for Research and Development AWRAD have set in motion a new study on Journalists Safety Indicators in Palestine making it the second country to launch this study The presentation and discussion circled around the approach and methodologies of the study which the two parties aim to publish by the end of 2021   Ms Noha Bawazir Head of Office and UNESCO Representative spoke about the challenges facing Palestinian journalists and media workers Quoting a 2021 annual report published by the Freedoms Committee of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate