Amman: The 2025 Heritage Award ceremony, held at the Odeon Theater in downtown Amman, was attended by a number of Their Highnesses, Excellencies, and high-ranking national and diplomatic figures. The event attracted approximately 140 applications from projects and initiatives across the Kingdom, showcasing a range of interests from documenting oral heritage and reviving traditional crafts to rehabilitating historic buildings and creative youth initiatives. The evaluation process was conducted by a specialized committee, and the winners were then selected by an independent jury.
According to European Union, this year's award included four main categories focusing on various aspects of heritage conservation and innovation: Conservation and Adaptation in Cultural Heritage, Research and Innovation, Community Engagement and Integration, and Climate Change and Cultural Heritage. Her Royal Highness Princess Dana Firas, in her opening remarks, highlighted the challenges faced by heritage today, such as climate change and urban sprawl, and emphasized the opportunities within these challenges for sustainable development and community resilience.
His Excellency Dr. Imad Hijazin, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, praised the cooperation as a significant addition to national efforts in 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, Head of the Middle East Unit at the European Commission, underscored the strong partnership between the European Union and the Petra National Trust, aligning with the EU's commitment to global heritage protection and sustainable development in Jordan.
Mr. Haitham Batikhi, CEO of Jordan Kuwait Bank, expressed pride in supporting projects that preserve heritage and enhance national identity, reflecting the bank's commitment to corporate social responsibility. Mr. Karim Makhlouf, representing His Excellency Mr. Said Darwazeh, emphasized that investing in cultural heritage protection is an investment in the future, contributing to Jordan's status as a global cultural and tourist hub.
The Petra National Trust (PNT) plays a critical role in protecting Jordan's cultural heritage and promoting its preservation as a key element of national identity. Founded in 1989, PNT has evolved into a leading regional center dedicated to cultural heritage protection and solutions in the Middle East and North Africa. Her Royal Highness Princess Dana Firas chairs the Board of Directors of PNT and serves as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Heritage, guiding the organization's mission and vision.