Workshop on the implementation of the 2003 Convention in Djibouti © UNESCO

From 18 to 21 June 2018, the Ministry of Muslim Affairs, Culture and Waqf assets in Djibouti, with support from the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, convened 40 national and local authorities, experts, NGOs, communities and media representatives to participate in a national workshop on the implementation of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage.

In his opening remarks, Minister Moumin Hassan Barreh emphasized the commitment of the President of the Republic of Djibouti in promoting culture as a national priority for strengthening national identity and safeguarding heritage. The workshop paved the way for a better understanding of the 2003 Convention and safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage at the national level. It equipped the participants with information on the key concepts of the 2003 Convention, the role of each stakeholder in safeguarding and promoting intangible cultural heritage, as well as the important role of communities in safeguarding their intangible cultural heritage. Participants also discussed a number of specific issues, from concrete safeguarding measures such as inventorying to the relationship between intangible cultural heritage and sustainable development.

Following the workshop, Djibouti plans to submit a request for International Assistance to the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund of the 2003 Convention, in order to begin the work of inventorying and develop a national legislation and policy for safeguarding the country’s intangible cultural heritage. The Minister also committed to creating a national committee to oversee the implementation of the 2003 Convention, which was ratified by Djibouti in 2007.

This national workshop also took place after the 7th session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the 2003 Convention (4 - 6 June 2018, UNESCO Headquarters), at which Djibouti was elected as a new member of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.