Syria's last generation of shadow puppeteers has returned to his homeland despite the war, in hopes of reviving the nearly-lost art form. In December 2018, the art form was inscribed on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as in need of urgent safeguarding. In addition to performing, Shadi felt the obligation to promote its inheritance and continuation. He organized a teaching class of over ten students and wrote scripts of civilian war stories to help bring awareness to the conflict in Syria.