Ashgabat to host International forum under the UNESCO aegis

Preparation to the UNESCO International Conference “The Silk Road: Present and Future Development” in Ashgabat on December 6 – 7 is carried out. 

Cooperation between Turkmenistan and this competent organization specialized in humanitarian and cultural sphere has been noted. As is known, such historical and cultural monuments of our country as Ancient Merv, Kunyaurgench and Ancient Nisa have been included to the UNESCO World Heritage List, ‘kushtepdy’ sing and dance art and the Epic of Gyorogly to the Representative List of Intangible Heritage. 

Targeted work is carried out for inclusion of the Koytendag ecosystem and the Badhyz State Reserve to the World Heritage List and Turkmen carpet art and ahalteke horse breeding art to the Representative List of Intangible Heritage. 

The agenda of the Conference, which is be held together with the UNESCO under the declaration of the slogan of this year “Turkmenistan – the Heart of the Great Silk Road”, will include wide spectrum of subjects of activation of multidimensional cooperation between the countries located along the legendary historical route. It is planned to adopt the Ashgabat declaration by its outcomes. Fifth session of the UNESCO Coordination Committee for inclusion of the Silk Road nomination to the World Heritage List as well as the meeting of the specialists will take place before the Forum. Numerous representatives of foreign countries will participate in these events. 

In addition, it is planned to have the exhibition of the works of the winner of the photo contest “The Silk Road by the eyes of the youth” organized by the UNESCO, exposition of decorative and applied art articles, printing production, museum values of Turkmenistan as well as books and photo material prepared by number of foreign state embassies. 

Cultural programme including the visit to Alp Arslan National Drama Theatre, which will show “Gyorogly and Agayunus” plays on December 6, and Magtumguly National Music and Drama Theatre, which will have the concert of joint Turkmen – Austrian symphonic orchestra “Galkynysh”, is planned for our guests.