By Anas Alyusuf

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — The Saudi Permanent Mission at UNESCO would soon launch the “13inOne” initiative in all 13 regions of the Kingdom to highlight their distinctive cultural and civilizational diversity, stated Princess Haifa Al-Muqrin, permanent representative of Saudi Arabia to UNESCO.

Princess Haifa unveiled the initiative on Tuesday evening while addressing a virtual session, titled “We are Our Heritage,” hosted by the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society (SHPS).

She called on Saudis, of all age groups, to take part in the initiative, saying: “We want UNESCO to hear about the Kingdom from its sons and daughters in various regions and their participation will be used in a campaign to familiarize Saudi Arabia.”

Princess Haifa said that the launch of this initiative will be followed by publishing more detailed information later on the UNESCO Permanent Mission website. “What is significant for us in the Kingdom is that we are creating our own story.”

She disclosed that the procedures are currently under way to register the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society at UNESCO. It is noteworthy that SHPS, which came into being in 2010, is an active and influential leader in preserving Saudi heritage by raising awareness of the value and benefit to the nation.

Its mission includes monitoring and encouraging public and private initiatives related to the preservation of Saudi heritage, to identify undeveloped and overlooked areas of the Kingdom’s cultural legacy, and to promote public awareness about the importance of Saudi cultural heritage for present and future generations.

SHPS has become the first Saudi and Gulf organization to pass the standards and requirements to become a consultative body in the field of intangible heritage with the UNESCO.

Princess Haifa was upbeat on the registration of other Saudi institutions also in the UN body.

“This will emphasize the role of these institutions in their interaction with the international community and subsequent registration in other international organizations with their active presence in deliberations of these bodies.

“This would be instrumental in demonstrating the Kingdom’s cultural and heritage diversity in the international bodies in the best manner,” she added.