Cooperation of the Republic of Tajikistan with UNESCO

With the acquisition of state independence, the Republic of Tajikistan entered a new era of independent development, relying on a rich cultural and historical potential. It established fruitful and mutually beneficial relations with international and regional organizations.

On April 6, 1993, Tajikistan joined the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The same year, it was decided to establish the National Commission of Tajikistan for UNESCO at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan. The National Commission makes a significant contribution to the promotion of the organization's goals and acts as a coordinating body.

Since joining the Organization, the multifaceted mutually beneficial cooperation between Tajikistan and UNESCO has been expanded and filled with new constructive content. The Republic of Tajikistan attaches great importance to effective interaction with UNESCO in all its dimensions.

Participation of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Mr. Emomali Rahmon at the 33rd UNESCO General Conference in Paris, opened a new bright page in the relationship between Tajikistan and UNESCO and gave new impetus to productive cooperation. Within the GC the Cultural Days of Tajikistan in UNESCO were organized in Paris.

The Republic of Tajikistan is an active member of UNESCO, initiating and promoting projects in the field of culture, science and education, making a significant contribution to the protection and promotion of the world cultural and natural heritage.

One of the first historical monuments of Tajikistan included in the UNESCO World Heritage List is Sarazm (July 31, 2010 at the 34th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee).

One of the outcomes of cooperation in the field of science is the creation of the Committee on Bioethics at the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan. Bioethics is one of the priority areas that facilitate the training of experts through the organization of various programs.

In June 2003, the International Conference on "The Role of Women in Intercultural Dialogue in Central Asia" was held in Dushanbe. At this conference, it was decided to establish the UNESCO Faculty for Intercultural Dialogue in the Modern World at the Russian-Tajik (Slavonic) University.

November 11, 2003 "Shashmakom" - classical Tajik music was recognized as an intangible heritage of humanity. Every year on May 12, Tajikistan celebrates as Shashmakom Day.

In 2004, the city of Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, was proclaimed by the UNESCO as the City of Peace.

September 17, 2008 Amri Aminov, a well-known Tajik sculptor, received UNESCO’s award “Artist for Peace”.
During the 37th session of the World Heritage Committee, which was held on June 16 - 26, 2013 in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, the National Park of Tajikistan was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

On August 20-22 2013, the Director-General of UNESCO, Mrs. Irina Bokova, visited the Republic of Tajikistan. During her visit, Ms. Bokova met with the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Mr. Emomali Rahmon. In the course of this meeting, Ms. Bokova awarded the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, with the medal of "60th anniversary of UNESCO" for the contribution and promotion of peace and sustainable development. The Director-General of UNESCO also participated and made a statement at the High Level International Conference on Water Cooperation.

In March 2015, Tajikistan along with other 11 countries that celebrate Navruz holiday (Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, Republic of Uzbekistan, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Republic of India, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Turkey and Republic of Iraq) proposed to include Navruz in the UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. At the 11th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which took place on December 1, 2016 in Addis Ababa, Navruz and the Tajik national dish Oshi Palav were included in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Tajikistan and UNESCO actively cooperate in the framework of the UNESCO’s Participation Program. This program is designed to enhance the capabilities of participating States by financing various projects. The National Commission of Tajikistan for UNESCO within the framework of this program in the period from 1993 to 2017 presented projects in the spheres of education, science and culture.