In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, Dr. Luis Monreal, General Manager of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, emphasises that cultural heritage is not merely a relic of the past but a vital economic and social resource for building the future. He highlights the organisation's work in post-conflict regions such as Syria and Afghanistan, focusing on projects that restore historical sites while creating employment opportunities and fostering local expertise. A notable example is the preservation of the Mes Aynak archaeological site in Afghanistan, where collaboration with the Afghan government and a Chinese mining company led to a solution that preserved the site's rich Buddhist heritage. Monreal underscored that such initiatives including other examples such as Al Azhar Park in Cairo and the historic souk of Aleppo, Syria not only safeguard cultural landmarks but also stimulate local economies through tourism and small business development, contributing to long-term community resilience.