The city of Isfahan successfully hosted the International Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival and related exhibitions.[/caption]From 9-11 October, the city of Isfahan successfully hosted the International Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival and the Womens Forum and General Assembly of the Inter City Intangible Cultural Cooperation Network (ICCN).
For the one with musical group: Every countrys music counts as its intangible cultural heritage.
The first-ever Womens Forum discussed the important role of women in safeguarding and inter-generation transmission of intangible cultural heritage, and was opened by Iranian Vice President for Women and Family Affairs, Dr. Shahindokht Molaverdi.At the end of the forum, the participants adopted the Isfahan Declaration, which called upon national authorities and local governments to promote womens role and status in intangible cultural heritage as a driving force of human creativity, cultural diversity and inter-cultural dialogue.The following day, the ICCN General Assembly was opened by Mr. Joyoung Kim (ICCN Representative) and Dr. M. Soltanifar, Vice-President and Head of ICHHTO.
Other high-level participants included the Deputy Head of ICHHTO, Mr. Hassan Talebian and former Minister of Foreign Affairs and current Special Advisor to the Supreme Leader on International Affairs, Mr. Ali Akbar Velayati.
The different panel discussions focused on the role of intangible cultural heritage in cultural tourism, urban diplomacy, community development, environment and human identity.
On the sidelines of the conference, the city of Isfahan organized the International Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival with numerous activities in different parts of town. There were demonstrations of ancient sports, performing arts, exhibitions of handicrafts from every region of Iran, and stands with different types of local cuisine. The festival allowed foreign visitors and locals to see some of Irans rich intangible cultural heritage.
The colorful events were concluded with a closing ceremony in the beautiful Chehel Sotoun museum garden, which was attended by several high-ranking officials and broadcasted live on TV.
The Womens Forum and General Assembly of the Inter City Intangible Cultural Cooperation Network (ICCN) was also held on the sidelines of the Festival.About Intangible Cultural Heritage:Cultural heritage does not end at monuments and collections of objects. It also includes traditions or living expressions inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants, such as oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe or the knowledge and skills to produce traditional crafts.
This living heritage provides communities with a sense of identity and continuity, while promoting creativity and social well-being, contributing to the management of the natural and social environment and generating income. Much of what is called traditional or indigenous knowledge is, or can be, integrated into health care, education and management of the natural resources systems.
The 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage aims to safeguard this fragile heritage, secure its viability and make sure full advantage is taken of its potential for sustainable development. UNESCOs action in this field supports Member States worldwide by promoting international cooperation for safeguarding, and by creating institutional and professional environments favorable to the sustainable safeguarding of this living heritage.
By United Nations In Iran
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