Culture Ministry Celebrates 20th Anniversary of 2003 Convention for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage at UNESCO Headquarters -1-

In a speech at UNESCO headquarters, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the French Republic, Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani, expressed his pleasure to attend the cultural exhibition organized by the Ministry of Culture of the State of Qatar to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. His Excellency added that the State of Qatar's deep interest and steadfast commitment to the principles enshrined in the convention are not merely symbolic, but an integral part of Qatar's vision and national aspirations. HE the Ambassador emphasized the wise government's keenness to preserve the national identity of the State of Qatar, and to achieve this goal, Qatar National Vision 2030 is considered a shining beacon towards sustainable development and the preservation and promotion of culture globally. His Excellency explained that at the core of Qatar National Vision lies a deep appreciation for the importance of preserving Qatar's intangible cultural heritag e, including traditions, customs, and practices passed down through generations, enriching the society and shaping the collective identity, stressing the importance of preserving and promoting this priceless heritage for the benefit of current and future generations. HE the Ambassador further added that through initiatives such as this cultural exhibition, Qatar seeks to celebrate and share diverse cultural expressions that embody the spirit of our nation. He noted that from traditional customs to culinary traditions and handicrafts, Qatar's intangible cultural heritage is a source of pride, perseverance, and community unity. In this regard, it will be essential to recognize other aspects of Qatar's rich intangible heritage and protect them. To this end, Qatar has recently proposed additional features of its heritage to be safeguarded, including henna, an ancient tradition cherished for its aesthetic and social importance, in addition to prioritizing the preservation of the heritage, skills, and ancient pra ctices associated with the traditional attire known as ''Al Bisht'' and the Qatari traditional dance, known as 'Al Ardah,' as a candidate for inclusion in the list. He added that Qatar has proposed adding the traditional Qatari women's attire known as ''Al Nashl'' to the nomination list, along with Arabic calligraphy, a shared heritage among Arab countries. He looked forward to UNESCO's support in adding these elements to Qatar's intangible heritage list, ensuring a comprehensive approach to safeguarding Qatar's cultural heritage for future generations. He stressed that Qatar's commitment to the convention reflects its commitment to international cooperation and solidarity in preserving cultural heritage through active participation in UNESCO's efforts to protect intangible cultural heritage and contributing to a global dialogue that transcends borders and promotes understanding, tolerance, and mutual respect among nations. In conclusion, HE the Ambassador expressed his sincere gratitude to UNESCO and all t he esteemed partners for their invaluable support and collaboration in this endeavor, hoping that this cultural exhibition will serve as a testament to the enduring strength of Qatar's intangible cultural heritage to inspire and enrich our lives. (MORE) Source: Qatar News Agency