The Secretary-General of Tajikistan's National Commission for UNESCO underscored the importance of intangible cultural heritage, emphasizing that stronger cultural and regional cooperation among ECO Member States is essential for safeguarding this shared heritage and passing it on to future generations.
On 30 June 2026, during the first session of the "Silk Road and Intangible Cultural Heritage" series, titled "Regional Cooperation for Safeguarding Endangered Intangible Cultural Heritage in ECO Member States," hosted by the ECO Cultural Institute (ECI) in Tehran, a video message from Ms. Zulfiya Burhon, Secretary-General of Tajikistan's National Commission for UNESCO, was presented to participants.
In her message, Ms. Burhon expressed her appreciation to the ECO Cultural Institute for organizing the event and bringing together cultural experts and policymakers from across the region. She described the Silk Road as far more than an ancient trade route, noting that it had served for centuries as a channel for the exchange of culture, knowledge, art, music, customs, and traditions, thereby fostering lasting cultural ties among the peoples of the region.
She stressed that cultural heritage extends beyond monuments and archaeological sites, emphasizing that intangible cultural heritage—including music, arts, handicrafts, traditions, festivals, and the region's renowned hospitality—constitutes a vital part of the shared identity of the peoples of the ECO region and has been transmitted from generation to generation.
Highlighting the rich cultural civilization of the ECO region, Ms. Burhon stated that many elements of intangible cultural heritage reflect the region's shared historical experiences. She added that cultural diversity should be regarded not as a source of division but as a foundation for dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect among nations.
She further described intangible cultural heritage as a bridge connecting societies and emphasized that safeguarding it strengthens trust, mutual respect, and cooperation among ECO Member States.
Addressing current challenges, Ms. Burhon identified globalization, migration, social transformation, conflicts, and the rapid expansion of digital media as major threats to intangible cultural heritage. She warned that younger generations are increasingly distancing themselves from traditional cultural practices, making coordinated preservation efforts more urgent than ever.
She emphasized that safeguarding intangible cultural heritage cannot be achieved through isolated efforts alone. Instead, it requires enhanced regional cooperation through expert exchanges, joint research, digital documentation, expanded cultural and economic exchanges, cultural festivals, and stronger collaboration among museums, universities, and research institutions.
Ms. Burhon also highlighted the important role of young people in preserving and transmitting intangible cultural heritage. She noted that combining traditional knowledge with digital technologies, creative industries, and online platforms can help ensure that this heritage remains accessible and relevant for future generations.
Concluding her message, Ms. Burhon expressed hope that cultural dialogue and cooperation among ECO Member States would continue to deepen, ensuring that the Silk Road's rich cultural legacy remains a lasting symbol of unity, mutual respect, and shared identity for the peoples of the region.