World Bank backs $1bn in projects across Iraq, Syria and Lebanon
The World Bank has approved over $1 billion in new funding to support rebuilding efforts and infrastructure development in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
On March 14, the International Scientific-Practical Conference titled "Protection of Ancient Human Settlements: Threats and Modern Approaches" organized by the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan began at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku.
The two-day event brought together scholars, researchers, experts, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and media from various countries.
At the beginning of the conference, participants visited an exhibition showcasing artifacts discovered from ancient settlements in Azerbaijan.
During the opening, Azerbaijan's Minister of Culture Adil Karimli emphasized that one of the most valuable elements of Azerbaijan's rich cultural heritage is the prehistoric human settlements located in the country. These settlements, particularly the cave camps of Azikh, Taglar, and Damcılı, as well as the rock paintings in Gobustan, hold great significance for studying the stages of human civilization development.
The Minister noted that these monuments not only serve as the cradle of civilization and culture but also play an important role in studying the physical and spiritual development of humans, their work habits, lifestyle, and migration routes.
The Minister also highlighted that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the country's national cultural policy is based on the protection, restoration, and promotion of all cultural heritage in Azerbaijan, including historical and cultural monuments. He also added that Azerbaijan's multicultural lifestyle is recognized worldwide.
Referring to the discussions within the conference, Minister Karimli noted that a key issue to be debated is the creation of a unified platform for the joint study and promotion of ancient human settlements. He emphasized that international exchange programs in this field should not only be carried out within the framework of intergovernmental organizations but also involve scientific institutions, universities, and non-governmental organizations.
Adil Karimli also recalled that Azerbaijan's historical monuments were destroyed, and valuable artifacts were looted during the occupation by foreign forces. He particularly pointed out the damage caused by illegal archaeological expeditions in the Azikh Cave and suggested that international organizations improve existing mechanisms.
The President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Academician Isaakhabibbayli, also attended the conference and noted that this event would significantly contribute to the study and promotion of historical monuments in Azerbaijan. He recalled the global importance of the Azikh Cave and the damage it suffered during the occupation of Azerbaijani territories. The academician also mentioned that significant research on the Azikh Cave has been carried out in the past two years.
Other participants in the conference included Aktoti Raimkulova, President of the Turkish Culture and Heritage Foundation, Professor Shahin Mustafayev, President of the Turkish Academy, Sultan Raev, Secretary-General of TURKSOY, Krista Pikkat, Director of Culture and Emergency Situations at UNESCO, and Saad S. Khan, President of the ISESCO Cultural Institute. They wished the conference a successful continuation.
The primary goal of the international conference is to discuss new ideas for the protection, research, and promotion of the oldest examples of cultural heritage, as well as to strengthen international cooperation. The conference will also focus on developing new strategies and creating mechanisms for their implementation.
Throughout the day, participants will engage in panel discussions on topics such as "Ancient Human Settlements: Cultural Heritage as the Cradle of Humanity," "Ancient Human Settlements in the Context of Changing Climate and Armed Conflicts," and "Ancient Human Settlements of Azerbaijan as Part of World Heritage."
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
Kazakhstan's e-commerce sector has soared to 3.2 trillion tenge (around 6.2 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024, marking a sevenfold increase since 2020, according to Deputy Prime Minister Serik Jumanğarin.
Russia has expressed its readiness to support the signing of a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia to ensure regional stability and security.
Masked law enforcement officers have detained Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, leader of the 'Sacred Struggle' movement in Armenia. He is accused of preparing terrorist attacks and an alleged attempt to seize power, according to the Investigative Committee.
Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has announced a major reform initiative aimed at strengthening national sovereignty in the country’s space sector.
An explosive device detonated on an armoured combat-engineering vehicle in Khan Younis in Gaza, killing seven Israeli soldiers and seriously wounding another soldier on Tuesday (24 June).
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