The Novruz holiday, included as a multinational nomination on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (representing Azerbaijan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan), was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the organization's headquarters.
The event was jointly organized by the permanent missions of Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Iraq, India, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan to UNESCO. As the head of the organizing committee, Ambassador Sadyk Sher-Niyaz, Permanent Representative of Kyrgyzstan to UNESCO, delivered remarks about the significance of the Novruz holiday, highlighting its embodiment of universal values such as peace and solidarity, as well as its role as an example of national heritage passed down through generations. He emphasized that the joint organization of the event by twelve countries at UNESCO serves as a strong example of cooperation.
UNESCO's Deputy Director-General Xing Qu noted that Novruz, inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009, brings together various peoples, reflecting universal values like peace and solidarity and serving as a powerful symbol of shared cultural heritage.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay also addressed the participants, congratulating them on the occasion of the Novruz holiday. She underscored that despite the difficulties people around the world are facing, this beautiful holiday remains a symbol of renewal, dreams, the awakening of nature, and gatherings with family and friends.
Elman Abdullayev, Permanent Delegate of Azerbaijan to UNESCO, informed the attendees about the traditions of celebrating Novruz in Azerbaijan, emphasizing its cultural importance.
As part of the event, cultural representatives from the organizing countries performed national music and dance.
The function also featured a video highlighting Novruz customs and traditions of each country.
