KUWAIT CITY, Feb 12: Sheikha Bibi Duaij Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Chairperson of the Sadu Crafts Association, announced on Wednesday that international judges from the World Crafts Council will visit Kuwait to evaluate the country as a global city for the Sadu weaving craft.

This announcement was made during a press conference held at the Sadu House, in the presence of Sheikha Altaf Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, honorary president of the Sadu Crafts Association, along with jury members from the World Crafts Council.

Sheikha Bibi Al-Sabah revealed that the judges had toured Kuwait to assess the country’s commitment to preserving and promoting the Sadu craft. Their visit included several important sites and organizations, such as the Sadu House, the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, and the Ministry of Education.

The delegation also held discussions with representatives from government agencies, cultural institutions, and local craftsmen on ways to develop the craft and integrate it into the global craft scene. Sheikha Bibi noted that the committee visited various cultural centers, including the Naif Palace, the Red Palace, the Peace Palace, and the American Cultural Center, among others. The judges expressed pride in the visit, highlighting Kuwait's role in safeguarding and promoting craft heritage, boosting cultural tourism, and opening new opportunities for Kuwaiti craftsmen.

Saad Al-Qaddoumi, President of the World Crafts Organization, shared with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that Kuwait had applied for the title of "World Crafts City" for Sadu weaving through the Sadu House, which is a member of the World Crafts Organization. This prestigious title is awarded to cities and regions that significantly contribute to preserving traditional crafts and enhancing their sustainability.

Al-Qaddoumi explained that the World Crafts Organization, founded in New York in 1964 and registered in Belgium, is an international non-profit organization. It is the only global entity dedicated to protecting craft heritage across five geographical regions: North America, Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. He also emphasized the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters' support for the World Crafts Organization since 2012, acknowledging Kuwait's vital role as a cultural center.

The evaluation by the international judges will focus on how well Kuwait meets the organization's standards, which take into account the cultural, social, and economic aspects of the craft. Al-Qaddoumi mentioned that an official report would be compiled following the evaluation visit, with final recommendations expected within two months. The official decision from the World Crafts Organization will be announced shortly afterward, with hopes that Kuwait will be granted the title by April.

Al-Qaddoumi stressed the importance of maintaining the credibility of this process, as the judges are selected from a pool of professional experts, craftsmen, and specialized consultants. He noted that receiving this title would enhance Kuwait’s position as a leader in preserving craft heritage and supporting traditional crafts, which serve as a cultural, economic, and tourism asset.

The delegation included several distinguished figures: Saad Al-Qaddoumi, President of the World Crafts Council; Dr. Kevin Murray, Vice President of the World Crafts Council from Australia; Dr. Carol Lopez, President of the Americas Region of the World Crafts Council from the United States; Dr. Nadia Mir, Vice President of the Africa Region of the World Crafts Council from South Africa; Mahmoud Ahmed Shah, Director of the Department of Crafts and Tourism in Kashmir, India; and Professor Shomish Singh, a consultant member of the World Crafts Council from India.