UNESCO approved Bulgaria again as a centre for the safeguarding of living heritage
- The Agreement for a new 8-year term was signed in the frames of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Paris;
- Irena Todorova, executive director of the Regional Centre Sofia – UNESCO, and Ernesto Ottone, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO, signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
During the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference, the Agreement for the continuation of operation of the Regional Centre in Sofia, Bulgaria was signed. The Centre is managed entirely by a Bulgarian team and is one of the 8 Category 2 Centres in the world, aimed at safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage. The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria Krastyu Krastev and UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone, signed the document, which is for a new 8-year period.
“For me and the team of the Regional Centre, this is an important recognition, which also lead to a major responsibility. I believe that with the necessary efforts and dedication, we will continue contributing to the safeguarding of living heritage in the region of South-East Europe”, said Irena Todorova, executive director of the Regional Centre.
During the session, Irena Todorova and Ernesto Ottone signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations. Mr Ottone also received the special plaque of the Regional Centre for contribution to the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, delivered by Krastyu Krastev and Irena Todorova.
The General Conference is held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, from 7 to 22 November 2023. It is attended by all Member States of the organization. The event takes place every two years and determines UNESCO’s policies, programs and budget.
