On Friday, November 28, 2025, Dr. Khalid Khudair Dahham, Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Al-Alamein Institute for Graduate Studies, participated in an online scientific seminar organized by the International Heritage Institute in cooperation with UNESCO and other partners. The seminar, dedicated to protecting Iraqi cultural heritage, featured a presentation titled "The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Protecting and Promoting Iraqi Cultural Heritage." In his presentation, Dr. Dahham emphasized Iraq's unique position as a cradle of ancient civilizations, noting that Iraqi cultural heritage is not merely a historical record, but a living testament to human creativity, innovation, and resilience. He added that it plays a pivotal role in strengthening national identity and social cohesion, and in providing educational resources for future generations.
Mr. Administrative Assistant pointed to the major challenges facing Iraqi heritage, including armed conflicts, illegal trafficking of antiquities, neglect and deterioration, environmental threats, in addition to a lack of awareness and appreciation in some cases, explaining that these challenges require higher education institutions to play an active role in producing knowledge, raising awareness, and developing strategies to preserve heritage.
He also discussed the role of universities and academic institutions in Iraq in producing research and documentation in the fields of archaeology, history, conservation science, and digital humanities; training specialists in conservation and museums; influencing public policy; and shaping society's understanding of heritage through lectures, exhibitions, and community initiatives. He emphasized that protecting Iraqi cultural heritage is not merely a cultural endeavor, but a national duty, and that cooperation at both the national and international levels is key to ensuring the preservation of this exceptional heritage for future generations.
Dr. Khaled Khodair Daham touched on the experience of the Al-Alamein Institute for Graduate Studies in this field, explaining the institute’s contribution to protecting heritage by encouraging graduate students to write on cultural heritage topics, researching international agreements and national legislation related to cultural heritage, organizing seminars and roundtables, encouraging cooperation between different disciplines, and hosting expert discussions between representatives of relevant bodies and national authorities.
He concluded by presenting the proposed vision of the El Alamein Institute to enhance the role of higher education in protecting heritage, which includes establishing specialized centers for heritage research, promoting multidisciplinary programs, expanding international cooperation, encouraging digital transformation, supporting community participation, developing clear national policies, and activating the memorandum of understanding concluded on June 11, 2025 between the El Alamein Institute and the International Heritage Institute.
The international electronic seminar was attended by Dr. Ahmed Abis Al-Fatlawi, a lecturer at Al-Alamein Institute for Graduate Studies.