UNESCO, Egypt to Celebrate 20 Years of 2003 Convention Adoption

The UN's Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Egyptian Ministry of Culture will hold a series of events celebrating 20 years since the adoption of the 2003 Convention of Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage.

According to UNESCO, Minister of Culture Neveen El Kilany, and Dr. Nuria Sanz, OIC of the UNESCO Office in Cairo, discussed on Tuesday the program for the 20th anniversary this year to celebrate Egypt’s rich and diverse intangible treasures, recognize knowledge holders and practitioners and reflect on future directions.

They agreed to continue with the special Program on traditional food systems in Egypt through a series of scientific and professional workshops to underline the significance of Egypt's traditional foodways, including recipes, cooking methods, and mealtime rituals, that are passed down through generations and represent the Egyptian community's unique cultural identity and heritage.

The event that will take place at the Fustat Traditional Crafts Centre, old Cairo,  at the end of August, will include the launch of Heritage House.

The center currently provides "The Artisans of Egypt" (Sanayeitet Masr), a two-year diploma training program designed and implemented by the culture ministry's development fund.

The celebration will also feature The Dates Festival, which is planned to take place in the Siwa Oasis this October. A documentary on the elements of intangible cultural heritage that are registered on the convention's lists will be screened on this occasion.