Iraqi First Lady Showcases Mesopotamian Legacy at Saint-Paul-de-Vence Cultural Gathering

Iraqi Presidency

Iraqi First Lady Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed among her counterparts at Saint-Paul-de-Vence Cultural Gatheri

Iraqi First Lady Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed visited the municipality of Saint-Paul-de-Vence in southeastern France, at the invitation of French First Lady Brigitte Macron. The visit formed part of a cultural programme organised by First Lady Macron on the sidelines of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3).

Upon her arrival at Place de Gaulle, First Lady Ahmed was warmly welcomed by her French counterpart, who emphasised the importance of her participation in the cultural programme, which reflects the enduring civilisation of Mesopotamia spanning thousands of years. The two First Ladies, joined by the spouses of other heads of state and government attending the conference, toured the historic town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

During the visit, First Lady Ahmed expressed her admiration for the city's rich heritage and cultural legacy, describing it as a crossroads of civilisations and a symbol of cultural harmony. The delegation also visited the renowned Maeght Foundation, a museum of modern art housing over 12,000 pieces, including sculptures, paintings, and ceramics by prominent 20th-century artists.

First Lady Ahmed commended First Lady Macron’s significant role in humanitarian and cultural spheres and her commitment to preserving historical and cultural heritage.

The cultural programme also featured a gathering of First Ladies attending UNOC3. Speaking at the event, First Lady Ahmed expressed her delight at the opportunity to meet her counterparts, particularly Princess Charlene of Monaco.

She noted that such encounters serve as platforms for dialogue, cultural exchange, and deepening mutual understanding between nations. Reflecting on her childhood, she recalled listening to Radio Monte Carlo—the only French radio station broadcasting in Arabic at the time—which she described as a key conduit for cultural and intellectual exchange.

The Iraqi First Lady also highlighted Iraq’s exceptional cultural and historical richness, referencing ancient civilisations such as the Sumerians, Akkadians, Assyrians, and Babylonians—among the earliest in human history, dating back over 7,000 years.

She addressed the challenges that have shaped Iraq’s national identity and contributed to the development of the modern Iraqi state. In this context, she underscored the importance of Iraq’s participation in the UNOC3, given the country’s vulnerability to climate and environmental changes, including rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and reduced water flows in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Furthermore, First Lady Ahmed noted that Iraq currently holds the chairmanship of the Group 77 and China, reflecting the country's international standing and its commitment to shaping global environmental policy and fostering international cooperation to combat climate change.




PUKMEDIA