Management of Cultural Assets in Sudan from the Perspective of Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

AbstractNubian heritage sites are situated between the Arab Republic of Egypt (hereinafter Egypt) and the Republic of the Sudan (hereinafter Sudan). But, the recent tourism and general interests are focused only on the Nubian heritage sites in Egypt. Also, the positive image of Sudan has not yet fully recovered in Japan, although Sudan has been making progress in the post-conflict reconstruction process. This paper aims to make a strong suggestion, from the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to treat the Nubian heritage sites both in Egypt and Sudan comprehensively, for which the international campaign to safeguarding monuments in Nubia was launched in the 1960s. This international campaign also influenced the development and adoption of the World Heritage Convention of UNESCO in 1972. The Nubian heritage sites which were moved and reconstructed in the Sudan National Museum in Khartoum should be taken care of equally as those in Egypt in the coming years. SDG 11 “Sustainable cities and communities” has a specific target with the aim to “strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world's cultural and natural heritage”. However, Culture has a transversal role to play in achieving all the SDGs. The comprehensive re-presentation of the historical significance of the Nubian heritage sites will motivate the people in Sudan to achieve sustainable development by capitalizing on its rich cultural heritage. The case study presented in this paper may also provide inspirations for other countries and communities in post-conflict situations.KeywordsNubian heritage sitesWorld heritageThe Sudan National MuseumSDGs