Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University, participated in a celebration organized by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina to mark the first World Day for Underwater Cultural Heritage and the 25th anniversary of the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage.

The event was organized through the Alexandria Studies and Mediterranean Civilization Center, in cooperation with the UNESCO Chair on Underwater Cultural Heritage at Alexandria University and the university’s Center for Maritime Archaeology, with the participation of national and international partners and specialists.

In his remarks, Dr. Abdel Hakim highlighted the special significance of the occasion for Egypt, noting that the initiative to establish the World Day originated in Egypt based on a proposal by the UNESCO Chair at Alexandria University. He emphasized the university’s role in scientific research, capacity building, international cooperation, and raising awareness of the importance of preserving underwater cultural heritage.

Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, stressed the importance of underwater heritage to Alexandria, a city historically connected to the Mediterranean, while Dr. Ghada Abdel Bari highlighted Egypt’s pioneering role in protecting underwater cultural heritage and its potential to support tourism.

Dr. Emad Khalil, UNESCO Chair Professor, noted that the first World Day represents an important Egyptian initiative launched by Alexandria University and its UNESCO Chair, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Convention. The event also highlighted Alexandria Governorate’s commitment to supporting research, excavation, and preservation efforts related to underwater heritage.