-First AlUla World Archeology Summit concludes with a broad exploration of what modern society can learn from the past
AlUla, Saudi Arabia, September 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Delegates at the final day of the first AlUla World Archeology Summit engaged in a series of lively discussions on the future of archeology and its ability to drive meaningful change in society.
The discussions, which ranged from the usefulness of ancient wisdom in a modern context to digital archeology and inclusive archaeology, reflected the ambition of the summit. With its four broad themes of identity, ruined landscapes, resilience and accessibility, the summit generated interdisciplinary conversations that went beyond specialized mindsets to promote archeology to a broader audience.
Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani, Executive Director of Archaeology, Conservation and Collections at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), said: “This summit was exceptional. It was unique. We discussed issues vital to the future of archeology with a broader perspective, and I hope that Let’s continue the discussion.”
Organized by RCU, the summit featured 327 attendees from 39 countries, more than 80 speakers, 50 youth delegates participating in the Future Forum, representation from 167 institutions, including 65 universities, and a gender ratio of 47% women and 53% men.
The final day of the summit included the announcement of a new award for young archaeologists. The AlUla World Archeology Summit Excellence Award will be awarded at future summits and will promote the science of archaeology, Dr. Alsuhaibani said. More details will be announced later.
The summit showcased AlUla’s position as a center of archaeological activity. RCU sponsors one of the world’s largest archaeological research programs at AlUla and Khaybar, with 12 current surveys, excavations and specialist projects. Rich cultural landscapes are being revealed, including funerary avenues, mustatils, ancient cities, inscriptions in 10 languages, rock art and complex agricultural practices. AlUla is the site of Hegra, which in 2008 was inscribed as Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The summit offered delegates a platform to promote archeology and cultural heritage management at its interface with other disciplines. This gathering of leaders from academia, government, non-governmental organisations, industry and young people representing the next generation of archaeologists was created not only to enrich the archaeological community and help protect shared history, but also to open up broader reflection. about how archaeology, and more broadly cultural heritage, can contribute to transformative changes in society.
The summit’s Future Forum provided a platform for young people to engage in meaningful dialogue and debate about the future of archaeology. It offered them a space to develop their own perspectives and ideas and contribute to the conversation in a fundamental way.
For more details about the summit, visit https://www.worldarchaeologysummit.com
About the Royal Commission for AlUla
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) was established by royal decree in July 2017 to preserve and develop AlUla, a region of great natural and cultural importance in northwest Saudi Arabia. RCU’s long-term plan outlines a responsible, sustainable and sensitive approach to urban and economic development that preserves the natural and historical heritage of the area, while establishing AlUla as a desirable place to live, work and visit. It encompasses a wide range of initiatives in the fields of archaeology, tourism, culture, education and the arts, reflecting the commitment to meeting the Vision program’s priorities of economic diversification, local community empowerment and heritage conservation. 2030 of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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