Islamabad, The UNESCO Field Office in Islamabad, together with Lok Virsa, conducted a three-day conference titled ‘Folklore and Traditional Heritage in Pakistan’, from November 6 to 8, 2023. This event was part of the annual Lok Mela festival in Islamabad and aimed to highlight the importance of preserving Pakistan’s rich intangible cultural heritage (ICH).
According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the conference was inaugurated by prominent figures including the Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Mr. Syed Jamal Shah, Mr. Muhammad Uzair Khan of Lok Virsa, and Dr. Cristina Menegazzi from UNESCO. The conference brought together scholars, cultural professionals, heritage entrepreneurs, and students to exchange knowledge on Pakistan’s diverse folklore and traditional heritage.
The primary goal was to raise awareness of the significance of ICH and its contribution to sustainable economic development and social inclusivity. The Federal Minister stressed the importance of valuing artisans and creative professionals, emphasizing creativity as a cornerstone of a peaceful society. The Lok Virsa Executive Director and UNESCO’s expert on Culture and Heritage also spoke on the need to protect Pakistan’s cultural diversity.
The conference featured panels on various topics, including folklore, traditional values, musical heritage, indigenous knowledge, craft heritage, and Sufism. These panels featured twenty-four speakers discussing the challenges faced by artisans, including the need for better product development, marketing, and sales techniques. A significant focus was also placed on the role of women in preserving ICH and the threats posed to traditional knowledge by commercialization, development, and climate change.
Pakistan, having ratified UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2005, bears a global responsibility to support and protect its living heritage. This conference underscored UNESCO’s mandate to raise awareness and safeguard ICH as a key contributor to sustainable development and community wellbeing.