The Delegation of the European Union to Jordan, in partnership with the National Heritage Trust (Petra National Trust), held the PNT Heritage Award 2026 ceremony on 4 June 2026 at the Odeon Theatre in Downtown Amman. The event, now in its third year, expanded regionally to include Jordan, Palestine, and Syria, with 293 submissions received. Ten projects reached the final stage, and winners in three categories received 10,000 Jordanian dinars each, a certificate, and a trophy.
The ceremony was held under the patronage of HRH Princess Dana Firas, President of the National Heritage Trust and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Heritage. It was attended by H.E. Dr. Emad Hijazin, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities; Kajsa Ollongren, EU Special Representative for Human Rights; H.E. Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, Ambassador of the European Union to Jordan; and other ministers, ambassadors, diplomats, and cultural figures.
In her opening speech, Princess Dana Firas stated that “protecting cultural heritage is no longer solely a cultural responsibility, but has become an investment in identity, economy, development, and social stability.” The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities emphasized that Jordanian cultural heritage is a key pillar of tourism and cultural development and an investment in the national economy.
Kajsa Ollongren noted that “the right to culture is well established under international law” and that “Jordan is an essential partner in preserving cultural heritage, both in Jordan and in the broader region.” Ms. Huda Hijazi of Jordan Kuwait Bank highlighted the bank’s continued support for the award and the importance of regional cooperation.
Conservation and Adaptive Reuse (Nablus Old Town Regeneration, Palestine); Research and Innovation (Returnee 67, Syria, and Tiraz Centre’s Interactive Screen, Jordan); and Community Engagement and Social Inclusion (The Heritage Guardians Project, Palestine). The Climate Change and Cultural Heritage category was not awarded, as submissions did not meet the criteria.
Five individuals were honored for their contributions to cultural heritage: Ms. Widad Qawar, Duke Mamdouh Bisharat, Father Jean-Baptiste Humbert, Professor Gary Rollefson, and Father Jean-Michel de Tarragon.
The award is supported by Jordan Kuwait Bank, Quds Bank, and H.E. Mr. Said Samih Darwazeh. The National Heritage Trust, established in 1989, is one of the oldest cultural heritage institutions in Jordan and the region.
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