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Under the auspices of Ain Shams University, and with the support of Prof. Abdel Aziz Qansouh, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chairman of the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, and Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abedeen, President of the University, the national training course entitled “UNESCO’s Role in Building the Capacities of Museum Staff in Creating Virtual Tours” was launched.

This course underscores UNESCO’s commitment to supporting capacity building and enhancing the role of academic institutions and university museums in developing the educational process, cultivating the skills of young professionals, and raising awareness of the importance of cultural heritage and methods of preserving it.

It also highlights the use of the latest digital technologies in museums and archaeological sites, contributing to the sustainable preservation of human heritage.

The opening session featured speeches by:

Mrs. Hala Abdel Gawad, Deputy Secretary-General of the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO

Prof. Hossam Tantawi, Dean of the Faculty of Archaeology, Ain Shams University

Prof. Mohamed Ibrahim Ali, former Minister of Antiquities

Prof. Tarek Sayed Tawfik, Professor at the Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo University

Dr. Ahmed Rahima, Assistant Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Training Affairs, representing the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

Following the opening, the participants took a field tour inside the Zaffran Museum, accompanied by Dr. Mohamed Ismail, a lecturer in Museum Technology and Digital Heritage, and Dr. Walaa El-Din Badawi, the museum director, where they learned about the latest museum display methods, including virtual reality (VR), hologram and augmented reality (AR) technologies, which enhances applied understanding and enriches the professional experiences of the participants.

Dr. Walaa El-Din Badawi also delivered a lecture entitled “The Zaffran Palace and its University Museum,” during which he reviewed the historical significance of the Zaffran Palace, highlighting the major events it witnessed, culminating in the establishment of the university museum, which houses artifacts documenting an important aspect of the history of the Muhammad Ali dynasty.

Mrs. Ghada Ismail, Director of the Cultural Program at the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, organized and supervised the course activities.