The International Conference on “Promoting Heritage Elements Inscribed on UNESCO Lists for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage: Strategies, Practices, and Prospects for Arab and International Cooperation” was held in Algeria under the supervision of H.E. Dr. Malika Bendouda, Minister of Culture and Arts of Algeria, and Dr. Humaid Al Nofali, Director of Culture at ALECSO. The Conference was attended by H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mudaires, Director-General of the UNESCO Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education (RCQE).
The Conference addressed the main challenges associated with the period following the inscription of intangible cultural heritage elements on UNESCO lists. Special focus was placed on mechanisms for promoting and enhancing the value of these elements and strengthening their presence within local communities, through the sharing of relevant Arab and international experiences and practices.
The Conference concluded with the preparation of a synthesis report containing a set of proposals and recommendations aimed at developing pilot projects and programmes to promote living heritage elements, enhance their sustainability, and strengthen the community dynamics surrounding them.
On the sidelines of the Conference, the Algerian Ministry of Culture and Arts organized a documentary exhibition and live workshops featuring practitioners of several elements of intangible cultural heritage, in addition to traditional music performances and a visit to the historic Casbah district of Algiers, which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
