UNESCO Coordination Meeting for Emergency Response in Beirut
In response to the tragic explosion that occurred in Beirut, Lebanon on 4 August 2020, UNESCO organised a meeting on 10 August 2020, which was attended by the Directorate General of Antiquities (DGA) of the Ministry of Culture of Lebanon, as well as representatives from ALIPH, ARC-WH, Blue Shield International, ICCROM, ICOM and ICOMOS. The meeting aimed at initiating the consultation between international specialised organisations to identify the necessary steps of a coordinated action to support local intuitions, authorities and the local community for safeguarding Beirut’s cultural heritage and identity that was tragically damaged during the blast.
The shockwaves of the explosion damaged a number of historic districts, museums and galleries including the National Museum, Sursock Museum and the Archaeological Museum of the American University in Beirut. The historic districts of Gemmayzeh and Mar-Mikhaël were also damaged. Malerie Marfa gallery and Galerie Tanit gallery have been completely destroyed.
ARC-WH has joined other organisations in expressing its solidarity, full support and readiness to assist the DGA and all heritage professionals, NGOs and institutions for the recovery of cultural heritage, and rebuilding back Beirut.
