PARIS, France, Nov 5: Kuwait's Al-Sadu Society held a symposium on Tuesday focused on the common intangible cultural heritage and its protection as part of Arab Week at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

In a statement to KUNA, the President of the Al-Sadu Society, Sheikha Bibi Duaij Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, emphasized the importance of participating in this Arab cultural event, highlighting its significance as a means of conveying Arab cultural wealth through its rich heritage. She expressed that the society is dedicated to participating in cultural events that aim to enhance dialogue between cultures and peoples, facilitating the transfer of expertise to develop new partnerships at all levels.

Sheikha Al-Sabah praised the vital role of the Arab States Group in UNESCO for coordinating efforts to showcase the rich Arab cultural heritage through these initiatives in international forums, thereby promoting and preserving cultural heritage.

During her seminar, Al-Sabah discussed the origins of the craft and the importance of preserving traditional hand-weaving skills, emphasizing the inherent values of precision and dedication as essential components of cultural heritage and identity, along with the association’s efforts in this area.

"In light of globalization and the technological and information revolution, there is a pressing need to revive our cultural specificity and leverage it for contemporary societal development," Sheikha Al-Sabah stated. She also shared the association’s future plans and the milestones it aims to achieve in order to preserve and immortalize this craft and convey its unique meanings and historical diversity to the world.

The Arab Week at UNESCO, which commenced on Monday, features several cultural and artistic events and seminars over two days. These include a market for Arab cultural products, an exhibition of Arabic calligraphy, a showcase of photographs of Arab heritage sites registered with the international organization, as well as an Arab music pavilion, a cooking event, and a display of Arab handicrafts and fashion.

This event was initiated by Saudi Arabia and organized by the Arab Group at UNESCO for the first time in the history of Arab countries’ collaboration with the organization. It is worth noting that UNESCO recognized the Al-Sadu Association two years ago as a nongovernmental consultative organization during the ninth General Assembly of the States Parties to the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. (KUNA)