Latest news with #IntangibleCulturalHeritage
Times of Oman
07-08-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Oman showcases UNESCO associated schools experience at Hong Kong Forum
Hong Kong: Represented by the Ministry of Education, the Sultanate of Oman is participating in the Professional Development Forum for National Coordinators on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Education, held in Hong Kong during 4-8 August 2025. The event is jointly organized by the International Centre for UNESCO Associated Schools (ICUA) and the UNESCO Chair at the University of Hong Kong. The forum aims to empower educators to integrate intangible cultural heritage into curricula, develop innovative teaching methods, and inspire teachers and youth to become active contributors to cultural heritage preservation and global harmony. Yasriya Sulaiman Al Harthy, Director of the UNESCO Associated Schools, Youth Programs, and Clubs Department at the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science—and a member of the ICUA Governing Council—highlighted Oman's experience within the UNESCO Associated Schools Network. She emphasized cultural exchange as a bridge for mutual understanding and peacebuilding. She also discussed successful national programs in Oman, including the Cross-Continental Intangible Cultural Heritage Project, implemented in collaboration with Croatia and Denmark. This initiative fosters students' intercultural communication skills, reinforces national identity and pride, and prepares them to represent Oman at regional and international forums. The International Centre for UNESCO Associated Schools (ICUA) in China serves as an educational hub supporting the global network of UNESCO-associated schools. It promotes international cooperation and innovation through knowledge production, capacity-building, technical support, and information exchange. The center contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 by empowering students, teachers, and communities to shape a future of peace and sustainability through capacity development, youth engagement, research, and international collaboration.
Yomiuri Shimbun
05-08-2025
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Traditional Yuki-Tsumugi Silk Weaving Thrives in Modern Japan; Ibaraki Prefecture Museum Lets Visitors Experience Centuries-Old Production Methods
YUKI, Ibaraki — A pleasant thump-thump sound echoed throughout the Tsumugi no Yakata museum in Yuki, Ibaraki Prefecture, each time the weft was woven through the warp. An elementary school girl on a family visit, eyes alight with excitement, tried her hand at weaving. In about 30 minutes, she created a small coaster, 10 centimeters square. Opened roughly 20 years ago by Okujun Co. — a wholesale dealer in Yuki-tsumugi silk founded in 1907 — Tsumugi no Yakata is a facility that introduces visitors to the traditional production techniques and culture of this renowned Japanese silk variety through hands-on experiences. The surrounding area still features many old homes and storehouses from the Meiji Era (1868-1912) and the Taisho Era (1912-1926). The region follows a roughly 20-kilometer stretch of the Kinugawa river, which flows between Tochigi and Ibaraki prefectures. It is renowned as a production center of Yuki-tsumugi, a high-grade silk fabric with a history spanning more than 1,500 years. Interestingly, the 'Kinu' portion of the river's name was once written with the kanji for 'silk.'Floss silk is made from silkworm cocoons. It is spun into thread, dyed and woven. The area is full of weaving and dyeing workshops that continue to use long-standing handcrafting methods to complete the various processes involved in silk production. Rolls of fabric ordered by wholesalers are meticulously finished by a relay of skilled artisans. A gentle touch confirms its wonderfully soft feel. Its durability is also noteworthy. Each roll of fabric requires about 2,000 cocoons to silk fabric production techniques include jibata-ori, or backstrap weaving, in which the weaver adjusts the tension by connecting the thread to their waist. This technique was registered on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2010, bringing great pride to the region. The museum has exhibits of weaving looms and spinning tools that visitors can view up close. 'We want more young people to learn [about Yuki-tsumugi]. Please come [to the museum],' said Yoko Shin, 50, the museum's manager. As I was on my way out, I stopped into the museum shop, where an orange shawl displayed in a window caught my attention. Clearly, Yuki-tsumugi can also work well for Western clothing. It seems that artisans who work with this fabric are going to continue to try new things even as they honor tradition. ***Tsumugi no Yakata Address: 12-2, Yuki, Yuki City, Ibaraki Prefecture Access: 10-minute walk from the north exit of Yuki Station on the JR Mito Line. Parking available. Memo: Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
Cambodia Pavilion: Saving Lives
Cambodia is well-known for the Angkor Wat archaeological ruins, a twelfth century Hindu holy site registered as UNESCO World Heritage. Traditional arts such as dance and shadow puppetry, which originated in the ninth century Khmer court, are also registered by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Cambodia pavilion is inspired by the ruins of Koh Ker, comprising around 30 temples, in its presentation of one of Asia's preeminent cultural tourist destinations. Displays include a model of the exterior of Angkor Wat, a reproduction of the cloister relief of the Hindu creation legend Samudra Manthana ('Churning of the Ocean'), and performances of the classical Apsara Dance, which presents Hindu mythology. The elegant, delicate movements and dazzling costumes of this Dance of Heavenly Nymphs will entrance the audience. A broad, golden rice field in front of a display of cultural assets represents the fertile Mekong River basin, drawing attention to Cambodia's agricultural wealth. Heavily laden ears of rice symbolize the Miraculous Kingdom's preservation of tradition and nature for over 1,000 years in order to express the pavilion theme of 'Saving Lives.' The Cambodia pavilion is located in the Saving Lives zone. ( See the official map for details.) Cambodia marks its national day on Saturday, July 5, at the Expo National Day Hall. (Originally published in Japanese. Reporting and text by Uchiyama Ken'ichi and . Photographic assistance by Kuroiwa Masakazu of 96-Box. Banner photo © .)
Hype Malaysia
14-07-2025
- Hype Malaysia
Selangor Forest Park Now Recognised As UNESCO World Heritage Site
Many of Malaysia's famous landmarks and even its local dishes have been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites or listed under UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage. These prestigious accolades are not easily earned; each must meet strict criteria to receive such recognition. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) announced over the weekend that the FRIM Selangor Forest Park has now been added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here's the story: In case you're unfamiliar with the term, a UNESCO World Heritage Site refers to any landmark or area inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (UNESCO) World Heritage List. In short, these are places of cultural, historical or scientific significance. FRIM Selangor Forest Park is one such site, a unique example of large-scale tropical forest restoration, achieved through the replanting of trees in a former tin mining area. It's little surprise, then, that it has now been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The inscription was revealed in a statement by Motac during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held from 6th to 16th July at UNESCO's headquarters in Paris. According to The Star, the listing was approved by the 21 member states of the World Heritage Committee, following a nomination process that began in 2013. With this latest achievement, Malaysia now has six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Sarawak's Gua Niah and Sabah's Kinabalu National Geopark. 'The ministry is confident that this recognition will add significant value to FRIM Selangor Forest Park as a key tourism product in Selangor. This achievement is expected to boost international tourist arrivals and contribute to Malaysia's economy, particularly benefiting local communities,' Motac added. This is truly an incredible milestone for Malaysia. We look forward to seeing which other landmarks in our homeland will be recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the future. Sources: TheStar, UNESCO, MalayMail
Korea Herald
13-07-2025
- Korea Herald
N. Korea's Mount Kumgang listed as UNESCO World Heritage site
A scenic mountain known for its beauty that changes with the seasons, North Korea's Mount Kumgang has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. UNESCO added Mount Kumgang to its World Heritage list following the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris on Sunday. The official name of the place entering the list is "Mt. Kumgang - Diamond Mountain from the Sea." In May this year, the International Council on Monuments and Sites and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which serve as advisory bodies to the World Heritage Committee, had recommended the inclusion of Mount Kumgang on the UNESCO World Heritage list. UNESCO's website describes Mount Kumgang as "a strikingly beautiful mountain with numerous peaks and curious rocks amounting to some 1,2000, waterfalls and pools formed by crystal-like clear waters flowing from hundreds of gorges, as well as with the seascape stretched along the coastline." "Mt. Kumgang is permeated with numerous legends and cultural relics handed over down through generations," the site also says. North Korea submitted its application for World Heritage inscription in 2021, but the site's review was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The evaluation resumed this year. Mount Kumgang is North Korea's third World Cultural Heritage site, joining the Complex of Koguryo Tombs inscribed in 2004 and the Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong in 2013. In 2014, North Korea also had "Arirang, lyrical folk song in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea" inscribed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Yonhap)
