Representatives from dozens of countries began a meeting in Abu Dhabi on Friday to discuss the creation of a $100-million fund to protect and restore heritage sites threatened by extremism and conflict.

The two-day conference reflects growing international alarm over the destruction of ancient artefacts by Islamic State group jihadists using sledgehammers, bulldozers and explosives.

The ancient Indian philosophy behind yoga, the mind-body discipline now practiced the world over, on Thursday joined UNESCO's list of "intangible" world heritage.

Nigerian Nobel prize-winning author Wole Soyinka said Thursday he has fulfilled his pledge to throw away his U.S. residency green card and leave the country if Donald Trump won the presidential election.

The French parliament on Thursday began debating a bill to ban pro-life websites from spreading "false information" about abortion, with rightwing lawmakers arguing it would contravene freedom of expression.

One of the most wanted fugitive bosses of the notorious Calabrian mafia was arrested Thursday in what the government hailed as a "beautiful" victory for Italy's fight against organized crime.

Nestled in a labyrinth of streets in the heart of Morocco's ancient city of Fez, stands the world's oldest working library.

Its sculpted dark wooden door stands almost hidden on the edge of a square where artisans hammer away at copper in a deafening din, delighting passing tourists.

Cuba's sensual rumba dance and Belgium's thriving beer culture brought new effervescence to UNESCO's coveted list of "intangible" heritage on Wednesday.

The most famous gun in French literature, the revolver with which Paul Verlaine tried to kill his lover and fellow poet Arthur Rimbaud, is going under the hammer on Wednesday.

All cinemas must play the national anthem before screening movies and audiences should stand for it, India's highest court ruled Wednesday, drawing angry accusations of an assault on civil liberties.

From Syria to Iraq, via Mali and Afghanistan, Islamist fighters have targeted priceless cultural heritage sites after denouncing them as un-Islamic.