UNESCO panel mulls intangible cultural heritage, upcoming Baku meeting
By Sabina Idayatova
Information about the 8th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage to be held in Baku on December 2-7 was presented at a bureau meeting chaired by Azerbaijani Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfaz Garayev at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on October 28.
According to Garayev, comprehensive information was heard about the committee's anniversary session due in Baku and views were exchanged on preparations for the meeting. The Azerbaijani delegation informed attendees about the completion of the preparations for the session.
The minister further noted that the traditions facing deterioration, along with historical monuments, samples of intangible cultural heritage in some countries and financial support to be provided for them by UNESCO were discussed at the Paris meeting.
According to Garayev, such international organizations now hear the voice of Azerbaijan while making decisions, and Azerbaijan chairs meetings regarding such decisions.
"Certainly, this shows the high-level relations of Azerbaijan with UNESCO, one of the world's influential organizations, and activeness in the organization," he said.
Garayev noted the efforts of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva in the recognition and increase of Azerbaijan's image in the world.
A film reflecting the overall appearance of the city of Baku, historical monuments, national dances, tourism venues, samples of national cuisine, and the ancient chovgan game was shown at the meeting.
Garayev also met with UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova and conveyed greetings of First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and invited her to attend the Baku session.
The sides discussed issues on the agenda of the session and exchanged views on issues relating to the implementation of the framework agreement signed between Azerbaijan and UNESCO in July.
The UNESCO World Intercultural Dialogue Forum held in Baku every two years and various aspects of this partnership were also discussed.
After the meeting, Bokova and Garayev attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the 2003 convention on the protection of intangible cultural heritage. The exhibition, dedicated to sustainable development of the non-material cultural heritage, featured intangible elements from different regions of the world.
Bokova in her remarks at the opening ceremony spoke about the importance of intangible cultural heritage, its special role in the promotion of dialogue and peace, achievement of sustainable development, and referring to the meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee in Baku expressed her gratitude to the Azerbaijani government for support in this issue.
Garayev stressed the great importance Azerbaijan attaches to the cooperation with UNESCO, especially in the protection of intangible cultural heritage, and noted the First Lady's efforts in the promotion of the organization's values in the world.
Citing non-material cultural heritage as an effective tool in bringing cultures together, the minister noted the importance of UNESCO's constantly keeping this issue in focus.
In conclusion, Garayev emphasized that the invitation of the Azerbaijani delegation to the 10th anniversary of the 2003 UNESCO convention stems from the high respect and influence of Azerbaijan in the organization.