Regular session of the UNESCO National Committee of Turkmenistan has been held in the Foreign Ministry on January 30 at the request of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Number of heads of leading specialists of profile ministries and departments of the country as well administration of the capital and mass media took part in the session.

During the session, the participants have discussed wide range of subjects of cooperation with this big specialized establishment of the United Nations Organization. Promotion of several national monuments in serial nomination “The Silk Road: Zaravshan – Karakum Corridor” was among the main topics. 

In particular, these are Amul Fortress, Mansaf Stronghold, Kyonegala, Akjagala and Gyzyljagala caravansaries, At-Tahmalaj Camp, medieval city of Kushmeyhan. This caravan route was started in the upper of Zaravshan Revier, which used to be a tributary of Amudarya River in the old times, and run across Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

 In this context, the participants of the session have discussed the importance of signing of the agreement, which has been signed on the day before, between the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan on joint promotion, management and preservation of the components of serial transnational nomination “The Silk Road: Zaravshan – Karakum Corridor” to the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List.

The participants of the session noted that intensive process of the dialog of cultures, exchange of knowledge, technologies, philosophies, which is still continued these days, was going on owing to this transcontinental route.

Being a historical heritage, the Silk Road, which is restored in new format, serves as a strong impulse for reproaching of peoples and countries, supports establishment of political, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian relations, understanding and cooperation, formation of solid foundations between the states and regions.

This thought has been deeply revealed in the book of Head of the State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov “Turkmenistan – Heart of the Great Silk Road”. In his work, the leader of the nation makes special mention that one of the fundamental roles in origination and active operation of this historical route belongs to Turkmen people as well.

In this regard, it was noted that relative work, which includes preparation of the final documents on proposed facilities, is carried out for nomination of Zaravshan – Karakum Corridor to the UNESCO World Heritage List. This proposal of Turkmenistan is planned to be reviewed at the next session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in September 2021.

Having noted fruitful character of bilateral cooperation between our country and UNESCO, the participants of the session stated that preservation of national and universal values, active cooperation with all interested countries based on cultural and humanitarian collaboration are the priorities of the policy of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. 

Inclusion of Ashgabat to the UNESCO Art City Network, which is intended to support further strengthening of cultural relations, development of international cooperation between cities, which are willing to invest into sustainable development of their territories, has been also discussed at the session.

At the same time, measures undertaken for opening of the UNESCO departments in national universities and inclusion of some secondary schools of the country to the UNESCO Associated School Network have been discussed at the session.

The Working Plan of the Commission in 2021, which is held under slogan “Turkmenistan – Home of Peace and Trust”, is outlined under the objectives set by the Head of the State.

It was mentioned that at present time, the UNESCO Secretariat has registered the nominations on inclusion of ‘dutar’ making craft, ‘dutar’ play art and ‘bakhshy’ art to the List of intangible cultural heritage. These subjects are planned to be reviewed at the session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Intangible Cultural Human Heritage in the end of 2021.

The work for preparation of the nominations on inclusion of the arts of ahalteke horse coaching and Turkmen shepherd dog breeding, which are national heritage of our people, to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List is carried out at the request of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov according the UNESCO international standards under cooperation with the above-mentioned organization.

Organizational issues and other subjects have been discussed during the session of the UNESCO National Commission of Turkmenistan.