Lebanon participates as a jury member in a competition organized by the global UNESCO concerning the evaluation of the best research on the topic of "Silk Road."
The National News Agency reported that UNESCO has chosen Dr. Darina Sleiba Abi Shdid, President of the International Center for Human Sciences in Jbeil-UNESCO, to be part of the judging committee responsible for reviewing the research submitted by participants and evaluating them in the competition that the organization intends to hold for the best research on the subject of "Silk Road" in various fields. The agency clarified that every researcher under 35 years of age can participate in the listed topics, and valuable moral and material awards will be given to the outstanding participants.
For her part, Dr. Darina Sleiba Abi Shdid stated that through this initiative, Lebanon once again proves its exceptional cultural presence in these difficult circumstances, and highlights the leading cultural role of Lebanese women in the Arab world. Abi Shdid affirmed that it is no coincidence that the city of craftsmanship excels at international conferences and seminars, saying, "Lebanon and Beirut have had impressive contributions in the fields of knowledge and culture. The oldest cities in history are leaders and creators of culture through their promotion of craftsmanship."
UNESCO had invited young women and men under 35 to submit for the Silk Road Youth Research Grant for the year 2021, indicating that 12 research grants valued at $10,000 will be awarded. UNESCO explained that this initiative aims to gather young researchers to submit further studies related to the shared heritage of the Silk Roads. The organization noted that the submitted research should highlight ways of addressing specific issues related to the heritage and multiple identities of the Silk Roads, their internal diversity, and their potential in contemporary societies in areas such as creativity, intercultural dialogue, social cohesion, regional cooperation, and enhancing the foundations of peace and sustainable development.
It is noteworthy that the Silk Road Youth Research Grant is a new initiative launched by UNESCO with support from the Chinese National Committee's representation at UNESCO, as part of the UNESCO Silk Roads program and the UNESCO program for managing social transformations "MOST," which is affiliated with the programs of the Social Sciences and Humanities Sector of UNESCO.
