Pakistan elected vice-chair at UNESCO heritage assembly

PARIS – Pakistan has been elected as Vice-Chair of the General Assembly of State Parties to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage during a meeting held at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris. Following its election, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with UNESCO member states to strengthen international cooperation in the field of cultural heritage preservation. The country pledged to support initiatives that promote the protection and transmission of living heritage for future generations. The officials said that the new role would provide Pakistan with a greater opportunity to contribute to international policy discussions and collaborative efforts aimed at safeguarding intangible cultural heritage worldwide, while highlighting the importance of cultural preservation as a means of fostering mutual understanding and respect among nations. The election is being viewed as a significant recognition of Pakistan’s continued efforts to preserve, promote and protect its rich cultural traditions and living heritage at both national and international levels. The 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage aims to ensure the protection of cultural practices, traditions, knowledge, skills, performing arts, social customs and other forms of living heritage that communities recognize as part of their cultural identity. Pakistan’s election to the vice-chair position reflects the confidence of member states in the country’s constructive role in advancing the objectives of the convention and supporting global efforts to preserve cultural diversity. The officials said Pakistan remains firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting intangible cultural heritage and has actively contributed to multinational inscription initiatives and preservation projects. The country has participated in various international efforts aimed at documenting, protecting and transmitting cultural expressions that