At the World Governments Summit 2025, which took place in Dubai under the theme "Shaping Future Governments", the influence of culture on the revival of communities in crisis was discussed. During the session "Can Culture Revive Communities in Crisis?" the Minister of Culture of the UAE Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi and the Director General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay highlighted the successful revival of the cultural heritage of Mosul.
The role of the UAE in the revival of the cultural heritage of Mosul, represented by the initiative Rebuild the Spirit of Mosul, was noted as a vivid example of achieving multilaterality. The UAE acted as the primary and foundational sponsor, providing significant resources for the restoration of historic sites in Mosul, including the Al-Nuri Mosque, the Al-Tahira Church (built in 1859), and the Al-Saa'a Church (built in 1870).
During the session, it was noted that more than 100 specialists received specialized skills, ensuring the self-sustainable implementation of restoration work over the course of decades. It was emphasized that each project focuses on people, history, and development potential to guarantee sustainable impact.
All projects were driven by the aspirations of local residents, which is deemed significant. Special attention was paid to training local communities so they could independently lead and continue the restoration. Although the program initially aimed to train 1,500 Iraqis, it exceeded expectations, providing training to more than 3,000 people in the areas of restoration and conservation.
The program for the revival of the cultural heritage of Mosul received international recognition as a demonstration of the power of multilaterality and global influence, with the UAE recognized as a leading participant in this initiative.
