Paris.— Cuba, a newly appointed member of the Inter-governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, reaffirmed before UNESCO, the country's commitment to preserving its patrimonial treasures.
During the sixth session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Gladys Collazo, president of the National Cultural Heritage Council of Cuba spoke about the country’s efforts in the sphere.
In regards to Cuba’s appointment as a member of the Committee, Collazo noted that it “demonstrates the prestige attained by Cuba in this international organization, but above all, it represents the island’s commitment to continuing efforts related to protecting our country’s intangible cultural heritage.”
She described the membership as a new challenge which will contribute to support existing efforts and political agreements to safeguard different examples of popular traditional culture, she emphasized.
Speaking about the Commission’s work in Cuba, Collazo noted that efforts to record and register popular festivals, customs and local traditions, will continue, noting that such actions constitute the first step in protecting the island’s patrimony and toward being classified as an example of Cultural Heritage of the Nation, a distinction which is held so far by son, rumba, repentismo, cigar factory readers, the parrandas(local parades) in the center of the country and the knowledge of Master rum makers.
For her part, Cuban Ambassador to UNESCO, Dulce Buergo, commented on the commitment of the permanent delegation – based in Paris – to support national efforts, as well as facilitate the promotion of the island’s traditions, customs and popular celebrations “inextricably linked to our cultural identity,” she noted.
According to diplomatic sources, during Cuba’s four-year term as a Committee member, the island will reaffirm, through its sustained efforts and political will, its commitment to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
The country will likewise continue working to see examples of its cultural heritage included on the Representative List of World Cultural Heritage.
