UNESCO Recognizes Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha as Global Cultural Celebrations

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially recognized Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as major Islamic holidays during its 43rd General Conference, currently taking place in the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

According to a statement by Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO, the decision was based on a proposal submitted by Indonesia and approved by UNESCO’s Executive Board during its 209th session.

Under the new resolution, the Director-General of UNESCO will issue an annual message to mark both Eid celebrations, highlighting their cultural, social, and spiritual significance.

The move aims to promote cultural understanding, interfaith dialogue, mutual respect, and social cohesion, while reinforcing universal values of human dignity, equality, and cultural diversity.