Mohamed Faroug A. Ali, Visiting Associate Professor of Archaeology at The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, presented two papers at the 16th International Conference for Nubian Studies, held September 7–11, 2026, at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany.
His presentations examined the relationship between cultural heritage, national identity, institutional reform, and community engagement in Sudan, considering how heritage protection can contribute to recovery during and after conflict.
The first paper, “The Cost of Institutional Neglect: Cultural Heritage Management and National Identity in Sudan,” addressed the relationship between heritage management and national identity. The second, “Strategies to Protect Cultural Heritage and Support Local Communities in Conflict,” considered approaches to safeguarding heritage while supporting the communities connected to it.
“Together, the papers proposed new approaches to strengthening heritage institutions, supporting local communities, and integrating cultural heritage into national reconstruction and social cohesion during and after periods of conflict,” Faroug said.
Faroug’s contributions draw on his archaeological research and professional engagement in Sudan. He is co-founder and CEO of the American Sudanese Archaeological Research Center and Executive Director of the Sudanese Archaeologists Union. His research examines the formation, political economy, collapse, and regeneration of ancient states in sub-Saharan Africa, alongside ancient iron-working landscapes and intercultural contact.
