Armenia committed to safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations - Araksya Babikyan

ArmInfo. Below are remarks by  Ms. Araksya Babikyan, Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission of  Armenia to the UN, at the High-level interactive dialogue on Culture  and Sustainable Development:

"Mr. Chair,

"As an essential component of human society and one of the drivers of  sustainable development, culture provides people and communities with  a strong sense of identity and social cohesion. Preservation and  transmission of tangible and intangible cultural heritage of  humankind is key element in promoting effective policies to  accelerate the full implementation of 2030 Agenda.

"Recognizing the transformative power of culture, Armenia, as a  country with millennia old history, is committed to protecting and  promoting cultural heritage by integrating it in its national  development programmes and strategies, aiming to strengthen the  culture preservation, modernize the infrastructures, expand tourism,  as well as establish cultural centers as an environment for informal  education. During the lockdown caused by the pandemic museums and  other relevant institutions in Armenia adapted digital technologies  for the development of online exhibitions, virtual tours, and digital  content creation.

"Mr. Chair,

"In promoting and protecting cultural heritage, an important and  unique role is bestowed upon the UNESCO to support member states to  safeguard cultural heritage, promote knowledge sharing, advance  gender equality, ensure quality education to contribute to the  achievement of SDGs and peace and security.  A number of historical  sites and examples of intangible traditions and arts of Armenia and  the Armenian people have been included in UNESCO's World Heritage and  Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, such as the 10th-century  Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, the duduk, a woodwind musical  instrument and its music, symbolism and craftsmanship of Armenian  cross-stones (Khachkars) among others are of utmost importance for my  country not only for shaping national identity but also as enabler  for socio-economic development of Armenia. In this context we believe  that cultural heritage, as the shared wealth of all humankind,  regardless of its religious, ethnic, or historical background, needs  to be protected preserving historically accurate origins as a part of  sustainable development for the nation and the region.

"When cultural diversity is under attack and new forms of  intolerance, hate propaganda and cultural appropriation challenge  promotion of peace, development and human rights, more than ever  UNESCO has a solemn duty to advance and protect culture given its  unique mandate and expertise, including in the conflict and  post-conflict settings.

"Armed conflicts and military actions in different parts of the  world, including in our region have devastating impact on objects of  cultural and religious heritage, which are of irreplaceable value to  the entire mankind as unique expressions of history, identity and  cultural memory. Improving data collection, introduction of reliable  monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, fostering partnerships and  information sharing, as well as use of digital and satellite  technologies and innovative solutions, create a vast toolkit of  instruments to help to protect cultural heritage and prevent cultural  vandalism.

"Mr. Chair,

"Armenia is committed to safeguarding cultural heritage for future  generations to achieve the SDGs, to pave the way for a world where  every nation cherishes its past, embraces its diversity, and shares  responsibility of building sustainable and inclusive future for all.

"I thank you."