Aqaba, Nov. 9 (Petra) -- The Jordanian National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and UNESCO’s Amman Office, organized a specialized workshop in Aqaba on Sunday, under the theme: "Intangible Cultural Heritage and Cultural Industries." The two-day event aims to build the capacity of intangible cultural heritage professionals, raise awareness of its importance as a cornerstone of Jordan’s collective identity, and outline mechanisms for identifying and transmitting heritage elements to younger generations.
Talking at the workshop, the Commission's Secretary-General, Sultan Khleif, emphasized its commitment to preserving, documenting, and revitalizing Jordan’s cultural heritage under national programs implemented in partnership with government and community institutions.
Khleif said Aqaba represents a "living example of Jordan’s cultural diversity, enriched by its traditional arts and heritage that strengthen national identity and help transmit cultural knowledge to future generations." Khleif noted that the Commission attaches "special" importance to the implementation of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which helps document popular traditions and highlight the rich cultural diversity of all Jordanian governorates.
In turn, Director of UNESCO’s Amman Office Noha Bawazir praised the "strong" partnership between UNESCO and the Commission in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, commending Jordan’s "pioneering" efforts to engage local communities in preserving heritage elements and passing them on to younger generations.
Bawazir also appreciated the ongoing coordination with the Jordanian Ministry of Culture and other national institutions working in this field, affirming UNESCO’s continued support for national initiatives that showcase Jordan’s cultural projects at regional and international levels.
Representative of the Ministry of Culture Amani Abu Hammour said preserving intangible cultural heritage is a core pillar of Jordan’s National Cultural Strategy, which seeks to protect and promote the country’s folk heritage in all its forms and ensure its transmission as an essential part of national identity.
She noted the ministry implements joint programs with the Commission and UNESCO’s Amman Office to document and register heritage elements, organize specialized training workshops on oral traditions, traditional crafts, performing arts, and social customs.
The workshop was attended by Director of Media at the Ministry of Education Mahmoud Hyassat and Director of Education in Aqaba Abdulwahab Hajjaj.
//Petra// AO
