On 11 December 2025, during the ongoing 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO in New Delhi, Republic of India, a final decision was adopted to inscribe the nomination submitted by Turkmenistan — “The Art of Breeding the Turkmen Alabay” — on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

This decision was unanimously supported by all 24 members of the Intergovernmental Committee, following the highly positive assessment of independent experts and UNESCO’s Evaluation Body.

The nomination file, prepared by the Secretariat of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO in cooperation with the International Association “Turkmen Alabays,” included broad participation of master dog breeders and families, researchers, as well as renowned experts and enthusiasts of Alabay breeding. This was highlighted as a positive example of ensuring the active involvement of tradition bearers in the preparation of the nomination, while also emphasizing the important role of women in the process.

The comprehensive and consistent safeguarding measures implemented within the framework of national policy — in close cooperation with local administrations, non-governmental organizations, and tradition bearers — were highly commended. These efforts ensure the sustainability of the ancient traditions of breeding Turkmen Alabays and strengthen intergenerational continuity.

During the session, a total of 66 national and multinational nominations submitted by Member States for inscription on the various lists under the Convention were reviewed. Of these, 54 were nominated for inclusion on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, 11 for the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, and 1 for the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices.

The work of the Intergovernmental Committee will continue until 13 December of this year.

ORIENT