Heritage is the component that represents human unity that gathers together all peoples, cultures and civilisations, H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, said during the launch of the "United with Heritage" campaign by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on Saturday.

"Therefore, it remained threatened by dark thoughts that are trying to tear down our history and our memories, and seeks to destroy the human identity that brings us together," he added.

The campaign aims to celebrate and preserve the world’s cultural heritage and cultural diversity.

"I send a message to younger generations, which says that human heritage is your identity and the symbol of your unity, so you should be able to shoulder the responsibility and benefit from the forefathers’ civilisation, and be aware of fighting the powers of darkness and destruction,'' said the Sharjah Ruler.

"We are all asked to unite to protect our human heritage and address attempts to destroy it, and we will not be able to achieve this without knowledge, tolerance and openness, as fanaticism and ignorance are pushing us to further destruction," he added.

"Over the years, Sharjah has been leading a number of pioneering projects to preserve heritage at the local, Arab or international level," he further added.

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, expressed her satisfaction at the launch of the campaign in Sharjah, which gives considerable attention to culture and heritage, thanks to the support of the Sharjah Ruler.

She also praised the role of the UAE in general, and Sharjah in particular, to preserve heritage, which highlighted the effective partnership between Sharjah and UNESCO.