The Turkmen Delegation at the UNESCO Assembly in Paris Called Heritage Protection the Foundation of Trust
The 11th session of the General Assembly of States Parties to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. A delegation from Turkmenistan participated in this international forum. It included Maksat Charyev, Turkmenistan's Permanent Delegate to UNESCO; Chinar Rustemova, Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO; leading specialists from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and national experts in the field of historical and cultural heritage preservation.
During the Paris sessions, delegates from around the world examined a wide range of issues related to the practical implementation of the provisions of the 2003 Convention, the modernization of international cooperation mechanisms, and the strengthening of the global system for the protection of living heritage. Participants analyzed the biennial reports of the Intergovernmental Committee and the Secretariat. The session focused on the efficient distribution of funds from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund, which are used to provide grant support for programs to preserve cultural diversity and strengthen the capacity of developing countries.
The Turkmen delegation reaffirmed Ashgabat's commitment to UNESCO's founding principles. It was noted that, under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty (People's Council) Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the country is implementing a consistent and ambitious state strategy to thoroughly study, carefully protect, and promote the unique traditions of the Turkmen people.
The Turkmen side emphasized that it views the protection of intangible heritage as a key factor in strengthening intercultural dialogue and trust worldwide. The successful work of the national delegation in Paris was further vivid evidence of Turkmenistan's significant contribution to international efforts to promote universal humanistic values.
