OIC Reaffirms Support for Strengthening Afghanistan’s Cultural Heritage Institutions

On 2 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH, Mawlawi Atiqullah Azizi, the Deputy Minister for Arts and Culture at the Ministry of Information and Culture, met with Khalil Ibrahim Okur, the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). They discussed potential collaborations to preserve Afghanistan's cultural heritage and enhance the capacity of the nation’s cultural institutions.
The meeting concentrated on the protection and preservation of Afghanistan’s historical monuments and cultural assets. Key topics included the introduction of three-dimensional (3D) digital documentation of heritage sites and the modernization of cultural institutions to meet contemporary professional standards.
During the meeting, Mawlawi Azizi emphasized the historical and civilizational importance of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage. He noted that the country's historical monuments, archaeological sites, manuscripts, and cultural treasures are an integral part of the shared heritage of the Islamic world. He stressed that safeguarding these invaluable assets is a collective cultural responsibility that demands sustained cooperation among Islamic countries and cultural organizations.
The Deputy Minister also called for increased support to strengthen and modernize pivotal national cultural institutions, such as public libraries, the National Archives, the National Museum, and arts and cultural education centers. He highlighted their essential role in preserving the nation’s historical memory and cultural identity.
In response, Mr. Okur commended the Ministry of Information and Culture for its ongoing efforts to protect and promote Afghanistan’s cultural heritage. He praised the initiatives undertaken by the Deputy Ministry for Culture and Arts and affirmed the OIC’s commitment to supporting practical programs focused on the preservation, restoration, digital documentation, and international promotion of Afghanistan’s historical and cultural legacy.
Mr. Okur also expressed the organization’s readiness to facilitate professional training opportunities and academic exchange programs for Afghan specialists. This would enable them to benefit from international expertise, advanced methodologies, and recognized professional standards in the fields of heritage conservation and cultural management.
He added that the OIC is actively working to strengthen Afghanistan’s cultural engagement with Islamic countries and international cultural institutions, as well as to expand cooperation through joint initiatives dedicated to the protection, preservation, and promotion of the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
The meeting concluded with discussions on future cooperation and capacity-building initiatives aimed at empowering Afghan cultural professionals and reinforcing institutional frameworks for the effective preservation and promotion of Afghanistan’s cultural assets.