ICHCAP

The first training workshop for young people interested in safeguarding their living heritage was held from 9 to 13 April in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The workshop had clear objectives—raise awareness among young men and women about the importance of intangible cultural heritage safeguarding and equip them with knowledge and skills needed for engaging in effective safeguarding.

The workshop was organized by the National Commission of the Kyrgyz Republic for UNESCO and the International Training Center for the Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (CRIHAP), and the UNESCO Cluster Office in Almaty.

Following a call for participation distributed via social media, thirty young women and men from all seven provinces of Kyrgyzstan were invited to participate in this five-day workshop, to learn about the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and its key concepts as well as ICH and sustainable development and gender issues.

Students also gave presentations on their experiences on safeguarding ICH in Kyrgyzstan and discussed the opportunities and challenges in safeguarding their living heritage. As a result, the National Network of Young Practitioners of ICH was created.