As-Salt, June 29 (Petra) - The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and Al-Balqa Applied University (BAU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday to boost cooperation in cultural heritage preservation, research, training, and capacity building.

The MoU was signed by Princess Dana Firas, President of ICOMOS Jordan and Heritage protection and preservation, and Ahmad Ajlouni, BAU's President.

The agreement focuses on integrating modern technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to advance knowledge and professional practices in Jordan’s cultural heritage sector.

The partnership seeks to bolster academic-professional collaboration, advance heritage protection, and leverage digital innovation to support sustainable development.

Princess Dana said the agreement strengthens partnerships to protect cultural heritage, support research and capacity building, and develop qualified professionals. She pointed to AI’s role in documenting, analyzing, and managing heritage sites through data-driven solutions.

Ajlouni said the university seeks to build strategic partnerships that connect academic knowledge with sustainable development priorities, including heritage protection, while incorporating AI applications in education, training, and research.

Under the agreement, the two sides will collaborate on joint studies, exchange expertise and research materials, develop sustainable approaches to heritage challenges, including climate change impacts, and implement specialized training programs and workshops.

A joint committee will oversee implementation plans and shared initiatives, with the agreement set to remain in effect for four years.

//Petra// HA