National Scientific Committees

ICOMOS-Jordan is leading a process of reflection around doctrine and good practices on topical issues involving the conservation of cultural heritage.

To do this, it sets up working groups made up of members of ICOMOS who are heritage professionals: architects, archaeologists, professors and researchers, curators, scientists.

The purpose of these groups can be the drafting of a charter, the implementation of concrete activities (work sessions, workshops).

About the CCHWG

The Climate Change and Heritage Working Group (CCHWG) is a scientific and interdisciplinary body within ICOMOS-Jordan, dedicated to understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change on Jordan’s natural and cultural heritage.
Through a transdisciplinary approach, the group examines how climate change affects both the material and intangible dimensions of heritage, focusing on four main domains:

  • Archaeological sites
  • Natural landscapes
  • Built heritage
  • Intangible cultural heritage

Our mission is to develop informed responses, promote climate-resilient heritage management, and support national efforts to safeguard heritage for future generations.

Our Commitment

In alignment with the Paris Agreement and guided by the outcomes and recommendations of COP26, ICOMOS-Jordan’s CCHWG contributes to national strategies addressing climate change challenges.
The group works to:

  • Build the research and analytical capacities of young professionals
  • Raise public and institutional awareness of climate change impacts
  • Develop and lead research projects that enable access to national, regional, and international climate-related funding
  • Promote participatory collaboration between public, private, academic, and civil society partners

Supported by the resources of ICOMOS-Jordan, the Working Group actively fosters cooperation to strengthen climate action within the heritage sector.

Leadership and Establishment

Under the patronage of HRH Princess Dana Firas, President of ICOMOS-Jordan, and through the initiative of ICOMOS-Jordan members, the National Committee formally joined the global Climate Change and Heritage Working Group in 2022, strengthening Jordan’s role in the international climate-heritage dialogue.

Head of the Working Group

Dr. Yahya Qtaishat

Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture – The Hashemite University, Jordan

Dr. Qtaishat specializes in sustainable and vernacular architecture, with a research focus on sustainability assessment methods and the integration of socio-cultural values in the built environment. His work bridges technical innovation with cultural heritage conservation, contributing to climate-responsive architecture and heritage practices.
He holds a PhD in Architectural Engineering from the University of Bath, UK.

Become a Member

About Us

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership.


They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

For more information Visit: sdgs.un.org/goals

ICOMOS SDGWG

Considering the urgencies, the world’s societies are facing today affecting the cultural and natural heritage, and the potential of heritage to help address these, the 2030 Agenda is an imperative to transform the framework of cultural heritage protection. Cultural heritage is not just monuments.

It has a crucial role for the well-being of communities, which must be harnessed for sustainable urban and socio-economic development, in particular for post-COVID recovery strategies at international, national, and local levels.

ICOMOS is a leading global voice in integrating cultural heritage within sustainable development. The SDGs Working Group coordinates ICOMOS response to the 2030 Agenda, through advocacy, policy, localizing of the SDGs.

For more information Visit: icomos.org/en/focus/un-sustainable-development-goals

 

ICOMOS-Jordan SDGWG

Under the support of HRH Princess Dana Firas, President ICOMOS-Jordan and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Heritage. ICOMOS-Jordan has joined the Sustainable Development Goals Working Group (SDGWG) in July 2021 as a National Committee (NC) with the following Representatives:

  • HE Fadi Bala’awi: Director-General of the Department of Antiquities (DoA)

A Professor of conservation and management of Heritage sites at the Hashemite University- Jordan. Conservation Scientist, Conservation, and management of Heritage sites expert. Currently, the General Director of the Hashemite university Center of studies, consultation, and Community services center. Former Dean of Queen Rania Faculty of Tourism and Heritage, Hashemite University. Consultant and special advisor for several national and international projects in conservation and Heritage sites development.

  • Nizar Al Adarbeh:  Project Management Specialist at USAID Jordan.

Projects Management Specialist with 15 years of experience in managing heritage, development, and tourism projects in Jordan and the Euro-Med region. Since 2015 works as the Chief of Party of USAID Sustainable Cultural Heritage Through Engagement of Local Communities Project (SCHEP) (www.usaidschep.org) at the American Center of Research. Has an M.A. in Conservation and Cultural Resources Management from the Yarmouk University and a B.A. in Sustainable Tourism from the Hashemite University. Board member at ICOMOS-Jordan.

  • Bayan El Faouri: A PhD Candidate and a researcher at Cardiff University in the UK

A PhD Candidate and a researcher at Cardiff University sponsored by the Hashemite University in Jordan. Bayan has six years of experience in conservation and urban planning at As-Salt city Greater Municipality SGM. Acquired a Master’s degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Jordan. Bayan main interest is in the UN initiatives for Sustainable development and Heritage-led Urban Regeneration in the context of World Heritage Listing, with a focus on the MENA region.

Become a Member