Algerian Radio
Several national Algerian associations have obtained international accreditation from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), thus joining the restricted circle of organizations recognized under the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Held on June 17 and 18 in Paris (France), the 11th session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage saw the representatives of the 185 assembled States accredit 59 new non-governmental organizations. These organizations will be tasked with, among other duties, "providing advisory services to the Intergovernmental Committee responsible for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage," indicated a statement from the Ministry of Culture and Arts.
On this occasion, the Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, extended her congratulations to the local associations: "Imekres for Heritage and Folklore" from the M'zab Valley in Ghardaïa, "Biskra Takraa" (Biskra Reads) from Biskra, and "El Mouahidia for the Protection of Historical, Cultural, and Tourism Heritage" from Nedroma, in the wilaya of Tlemcen. She also congratulated the national association "Tourath Djazairna" (Heritage of Our Algeria) and the Bejaïa Study Group on the History of Mathematics in the Middle Ages "Gehimab," following their official accreditation by UNESCO.
Ms. Bendouda indicated that the integration of these associations into the "global excellence list comprising 59 non-governmental organizations" constitutes recognition of the quality of the work accomplished by these groups. She emphasized that this distinction also reflects the "pioneering role of Algerian civil society, as well as its capacity to preserve collective memory and represent it competently in various international forums and meetings."
The Minister added that this international recognition also translates Algeria's "constant commitment to the safeguarding of its scientific and cultural heritage," while confirming "its determination to protect, transmit, and promote an authentic legacy that constitutes one of the essential foundations of its national identity."
During this 11th session, participants also had the opportunity to debate various issues relating to the protection of cultural heritage on a global scale, the future of the Convention, and the prospects for cooperation in this field.
