On October 17, 2024, a seminar dedicated to the International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was organized by the UNESCO club “Culture of Peace”.

According to the agenda, Lecturer Aygozel Ovezova presented a detailed overview of UNESCO’s activities and their significance. The role of the UNESCO club in fostering cultural knowledge among youth, encouraging creativity, and promoting research was discussed at the seminar. There was also highlighted the importance of cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNESCO, particularly in the field of education, including the establishment of UNESCO chairs and clubs at the higher educational institutions and the inclusion of Turkmen secondary schools in the UNESCO Associated Schools.

The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was adopted on October 17, 2003, recognizing its importance in promoting cultural diversity and sustainable development. Turkmenistan joined this convention in 2011 and has been actively participating in international efforts to implement its provisions.

The intangible values of our people continue to amaze the world today. Sites such as the ancient city of Merv, the city of Kunya-Urgench, and the Kunya and Tepe fortresses have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Additionally, cultural heritages like “The Art of the Epic Poet Görogly”, “Novruz Festival” and various traditional crafts have been recognized as significant examples of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Recently, the International Horse Breeding Academy named after Aba Annayev received a certificate for the inclusion of “The Art of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding and Traditions of Horse Decoration” in the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking a significant recognition of the Akhal-Teke horses.

At the end of the seminar, participants expressed their deep gratitude to our National Leader Hero Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar for their efforts in strengthening the education system and enhancing cooperation with international organizations.

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