Amman: The prestigious 2025 Heritage Award ceremony, held at the Odeon Theater in downtown Amman, drew the presence of Their Highnesses, Excellencies, and high-ranking national and diplomatic figures. The ceremony recognized initiatives across four main categories: Conservation and Adaptation in Cultural Heritage, Research and Innovation, Community Engagement and Integration, and Climate Change and Cultural Heritage.
According to European Union, the event attracted approximately 140 applications from projects and initiatives throughout Jordan, showcasing a rich array of interests and approaches. These ranged from documenting oral heritage and reviving traditional crafts to rehabilitating historic buildings and fostering creative youth initiatives. A specialized committee evaluated the entries, and an independent jury selected the winners.
Her Royal Highness Princess Dana Firas, in her opening remarks, highlighted the significant challenges facing heritage today, such as climate change and urban sprawl, while also recognizing the opportunities these challenges present. She emphasized that protecting heritage serves as an investment in sustainable development, education, climate change resilience, community strength, and the dignity of future generations.
His Excellency Dr. Imad Hijazin, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, underscored the value of this cooperation as a significant addition to national efforts aimed at protecting heritage sites and enhancing their role in tourism and economic development.
His Excellency Mr. Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, Ambassador of the European Union to Jordan, and Her Excellency Ms. Anna Pires from the European Commission, spoke on the strong partnership between the European Union and the Petra National Trust. They noted that supporting such initiatives aligns with the EU's dedication to world heritage protection and sustainable development in Jordan.
Mr. Haitham Batikhi, CEO of Jordan Kuwait Bank, expressed pride in the bank's involvement in this initiative, linking corporate social responsibility with supporting heritage preservation and enhancing national identity. Similarly, Mr. Karim Makhlouf, representing His Excellency Mr. Said Darwazeh, emphasized that investing in cultural heritage protection is an investment in the future and contributes to bolstering Jordan's status as a global cultural and tourist destination.
This award underscores the Petra National Trust's national role in protecting Jordan's cultural heritage and acknowledges community and individual efforts in this arena. Established in 1989, the NGO has evolved from focusing on the World Heritage Site of Petra to becoming a regional leader in cultural heritage protection across the Middle East and North Africa, guided by Her Royal Highness Princess Dana Firas.