The 11th session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 17–18 June 2026, with the participation of a delegation from Turkmenistan. About this reports MFA of Turkmenistan.
The delegation of Turkmenistan included the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the French Republic, Permanent Delegate of Turkmenistan to UNESCO M. Charyev, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO Ch. Rustemova, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, as well as national experts on intangible cultural heritage.
During the session, the States Parties considered a wide range of issues related to the implementation of the Convention, the enhancement of international cooperation mechanisms, and the strengthening of the global system for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
The session commenced with the opening of the General Assembly, the election of its Bureau, and the adoption of the agenda. Participants reviewed the report of the Intergovernmental Committee on its activities carried out between January 2024 and December 2025, as well as the report of the Secretariat on the implementation of the Convention. Discussions underscored the importance of further strengthening international cooperation in safeguarding living heritage and enhancing the capacities of States Parties to fulfill their obligations under the Convention.
Delegations exchanged views on improving existing mechanisms for safeguarding, documenting, and promoting elements of intangible cultural heritage, as well as on increasing the effectiveness of international cooperation in this field.
The Assembly also discussed the use of the resources of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund, which supports programmes and projects aimed at preserving cultural diversity and strengthening the capacities of States Parties.
Addressing the General Assembly, the delegation of Turkmenistan reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the principles and objectives of the 2003 Convention and highlighted the consistent state policy pursued under the leadership of the National Leader of the Turkmen People and the President of Turkmenistan to safeguard, study, and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. It was emphasized that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to cooperation with UNESCO and to international initiatives aimed at safeguarding intangible cultural heritage as an essential factor in fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding among peoples.
Turkmenistan’s participation in the 11th General Assembly once again demonstrated the country’s active contribution to international efforts aimed at safeguarding the cultural heritage of humanity and promoting universal humanitarian values.
