A grand event dedicated to the celebration of International Nowruz Day took place at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on March 18. The event was attended by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, heads of diplomatic missions, staff of the UNESCO Secretariat, and representatives of the Kyrgyz diaspora in France, the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry reported.
The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Kyrgyzstan to UNESCO, Sadyr Sher-Niyaz, delivered a welcoming speech on behalf of 13 countries: Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iraq, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. He emphasized that Nowruz is an integral part of the cultural heritage of many nations, embodying universal values such as mutual support, peace, and respect for traditions. He also highlighted that in the face of modern global challenges, the world needs unity and close cooperation.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay congratulated the participants on the holiday, noting that Nowruz symbolizes renewal, hope, the awakening of nature, and reunions with loved ones, even during challenging times.
The Permanent Delegation of Kyrgyzstan to UNESCO, with the participation of the Kyrgyz diaspora, organized a tasting of national dishes and confectionery. Director-General Azoulay explored the festive table of Kyrgyzstan and highly appreciated the traditional Kyrgyz cuisine.
Additionally, guests were presented with an exhibition featuring national clothing, musical instruments, jewelry, as well as books and brochures about the history and culture of Kyrgyzstan.
The Nowruz holiday was included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.
Photo: mfa.gov.kg
