Publication
Revive the Spirit of Mosul
In February 2018, a Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq was held in Kuwait. The International community announced a strong mobilization for the rehabilitation of the country’s infrastructure. UNESCO stood up to uphold the human dimension.
The Director General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, declared: ‘Reconstruction will succeed, and Iraq will regain its influence only if the human dimension is given priority; education and culture are the key elements. They are forces of unity and reconciliation.’
Revive the Spirit of Mosul is UNESCO’s most ambitious recon-struction campaign in recent decades. It is based on three pillars: heritage, cultural life and education, as essential drivers for the recovery of the city.
UNESCO is rebuilding the iconic Al-Nouri Mosque and its Al-Hadba Minaret, the Convent of Our Lady of the Hour and Al-Tahera Church, heritage houses, Al-Aghawat Mosque and Al-Ekhlas school in the Old City of Mosul.
In the field of culture, UNESCO opened a cultural and creative space, and relaunched cultural festivals in reading and music performance as well as open-air film screenings.
In the field of education, in addition to the rehabilitation of classrooms, UNESCO has launched a vast programme to Prevent Violent Extremism through Education (PVE-E).
UNESCO’s Revive the Spirit of Mosul initiative also benefits local women and men through employment opportunities and on-the-job training linked to the restoration and recon-struction of cultural heritage. This is fundamental for building skills and enhancing social inclusion in Iraq at this critical time.
