Intangible Heritage: Bridging Nations and Paving the Way for Peace and Solidarity in the Region

The Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, stressing the role of intangible cultural heritage in strengthening historical and cultural ties among nations, said that living heritage can transcend political and geographic borders, remind peoples of the region of their shared connections, and pave the way for hope in lasting peace and coexistence.

According to Aria Heritage Reporter, Hassan Fartosi, the Secretary General of the UNESCO National Commission in Iran, at the seventh regular meeting of the Board of Governors of the Tehran Intangible Heritage Center, which was held this morning on Tuesday, October 21, 1405, at the Laleh Hotel in Tehran, he pointed out the importance of this meeting in the current world and regional conditions and stated: At a time when war and violence with the use of new technologies have created serious challenges for humanity, we must once again discuss concepts such as human dignity, human unity, empathy and Consider putting others first.

By raising the question whether in today's world, despite the spread of war and violence, we can still hope for human unity, he added: We must reread the evidence that shows that despite racial, religious, cultural and linguistic differences, humans have been connected to each other throughout history and can still come together based on common values.

Fartusi continued: If we consider these questions again, the importance of the activities of Tehran's Intangible Heritage Center will become more apparent; A center that can remind and strengthen the historical and cultural ties between the people of the region by relying on the common heritage of the nations.

living legacy; beyond political and geographical borders

Referring to the difference between the tangible heritage displayed in museums and the intangible living heritage, the Secretary General of the UNESCO National Commission in Iran said: intangible heritage flows in people's daily lives and common rituals, traditions and rituals have the capacity to connect the people of the region regardless of political and geographical boundaries.

Referring to rituals such as Nowruz and Mehrgan, as well as common rituals among the countries of the region, he said: Registering and preserving this living heritage is an opportunity to once again pay attention to the deep cultural ties between nations and find out that despite our differences, we are still connected to each other.

Referring to the common cultural heritage of the region, Fartusi mentioned the Charter of Cyrus and Hammurabi's law tablet as examples of historical and civilizational heritage and said: These historical works and evidences, along with the wide cultural links from the Indian subcontinent to Central Asia and from Samarkand and Bukhara to other civilizational centers of the region, are a reminder of the long-standing relationship between societies and civilizations.

He added: Such heritage can provide an opportunity to recognize common cultural roots and strengthen dialogue between nations. A capacity that we need in today's world more than ever.

Sustainable development cannot be achieved without preserving cultural and environmental diversity

The Secretary General of the National Commission of UNESCO in Iran emphasized the link between cultural heritage and sustainable development and stated: From UNESCO's point of view, preservation of cultural diversity and protection of the environment, water and soil are deeply related to each other, and sustainable development will not be achieved without simultaneous attention to these components.

Referring to the legal and international foundations of Tehran's Intangible Heritage Center's activities, he added: International conventions related to intangible cultural heritage are among the fundamental documents in the formation of approaches and programs of this center and can provide a basis for wider cooperation among the countries of the region.

Fartusi clarified: This center is not supposed to replace related government institutions or UNESCO, but it should play the role of a link between people, governments and institutions of the countries of the region and expand the field of joint cooperation by harmonizing capacities.

In the end, he expressed his hope that Tehran's Intangible Heritage Center can help strengthen the mutual recognition of nations, protect common heritage and promote peace and stability by implementing awareness programs and valuable cultural activities in the countries of the region.