Media Center

As part of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s keenness to take part in all international and historical events and meetings, H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al-Khalifa, President of Bahrain’s Authority for Culture & Antiquities (BACA), attended Turin Islamic Economic Forum (TIEF). The forum is being held in Torino, Italy, in the presence of many executives from Arab, Islamic and European countries, high political and finance figures and personalities.

H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al-Khalifa had an intervention during the second day of the forum, in a special session dedicated to discuss “Museum Ecosystem for Economic Development”. The session aims to shed lights on the effects of environmental change on the substance of their work and also understand their role in mitigating the change. Sustainable development offers the museums a new approach to old practices, new ways to display their collections and reach audiences. For their part, the museums are expected to focus on the principles of sustainable development and responsible consumption. Taking sustainability into account as a part of museum education increases a sense of social responsibility. In this way, museums can provide a source of enlightenment for the community. H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al-Khalifa, said during her intervention “ we have a strategy and work plan to develop the cultural infrastructure in the Kingdom of Bahrain based on the protection of our cultural and architectural heritage, taking into consideration all elements of sustainable development tools”. H.E pointed out that “Cultural infrastructure projects in Bahrain have changed the urban fabric for the better, making Bahrain a very pleasant place to visit and enjoy the different heritage and historical venues. The cultural scene is a year along busy beehive shared by all individuals in Bahrain.” H.E said.

H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al-Khalifa, Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) president presented her main achievements throughout her experience with the “Invest in Culture” project, which aims to forge a partnership between the private sector and government institutions to financially and spiritually support the developmental projects adopted by the Culture and National Heritage sector. H.E Shaikha Mai reviewed Bahrain's distinguished experience in boosting the intellectual and civilizational momentum and promoting inter-cultural dialogue. She stressed the key role played by the non-government organizations in enriching the cultural movement in Bahrain through partnership with relevant parties. H.E cited cultural projects which have been achieved so far and future ones aimed at further enhancing the cultural momentum in the kingdom. With regard to cultural infrastructure projects in Bahrain, H.E pointed out that there are many projects being carried out through a partnership between the private and the public sectors, such as the Bahrain National Theater opened in November 2012 under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, May God Protect Him.

Worth to mention that Turin Islamic Economic Forum is a project shared by the Municipality of Torino, the Chamber of Commerce of Torino, the University of Torino and ASSAIF– Associazione per lo Sviluppo di Strumenti Alternativi e di Innovazione Finanziaria – to promote effective initiatives on Islamic Finance for social inclusion and economic development of the territory. It’s a unique event hosted by a local government that offers local stakeholders the chance to meet international leading players in the fields of Islamic finance and economy. A two-day event to share ideas, learn from outstanding international best practices and examine new trends in Islamic Finance, presented by more than 50 speakers form Italy and all over the world.