Nowruz celebrated at UNESCO headquarters in Paris

A Nowruz celebration was held at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris.

The event took place at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters upon the joint invitation of Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Mongolia, where Nowruz was celebrated, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

This year’s event, coordinated by Tajikistan, was attended by Turkey’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO Ambassador Gulnur Aybet, Acting Assistant Director-General for Culture at UNESCO Lazare Eloundou Assomo, and many guests.

Tajik artists performed traditional music and dances during the event. A fashion show featuring designs inspired by cultural motifs and traditional clothing from various countries, including Azerbaijan, attracted attention.

Handcrafted items were displayed at stands representing 13 countries, and participants were offered a variety of traditional foods.

“Nevruz promotes intercultural dialogue and cooperation,” said Dilshod Rahimi, Tajikistan’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, during the opening speech.

He emphasized that Nowruz strengthens respect for historical heritage while encouraging intercultural dialogue and cooperation, noting that the holiday of peace and prosperity has become even more meaningful in the modern world.

Rahimi also recalled that Nowruz celebrations were inscribed in 2009 on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, adding that the number of countries participating in the Nowruz file has reached 13.

He further noted that the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 as the “International Day of Nowruz” in 2010, highlighting its role in strengthening friendship among nations and promoting a culture of peace.

Assomo stated, “It is a great honor and pleasure to gather with you at this special event to celebrate Nowruz.”

He added that few traditions in the world are able to bring together so many countries, noting that Nowruz “reminds us of the hope that we all share globally.”