On August 8th 2015, the National Palace of Culture (Sofia, Bulgaria) hosted an international round table titled “70 years UNESCO – peace through education science and culture”. Representatives of the Secretariat of UNESCO to governmental and non-governmental national and international organizations, scientists, lecturers and prominent experts in the field of culture and education attended the meeting.

The participants discussed the modern vision, innovative approaches and the role of UNESCO which have contributed to changing the world in achieving genuine dialogue and understanding in the field of education, science, culture and communication.

The opening of the round table was made by Ms Maria Donska, Secretary General of the National Commission of UNESCO for Bulgaria. She thanked for the joint efforts of the “Sozopol” Foundation, The Regional Centre for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Southeastern Europe under the auspices of UNESCO and the National Palace of Culture for organizing this event, which will be noted as one of the most important celebrations for 70 anniversary of UNESCO in Bulgaria. She also reminded that, 70 years after the end of Second World War, the world has not become a safer place and the violence is everywhere.

Opening speeches gave: Mr Miroslav Borshosh, Director of the National Palace of Culture; Mr. Eric Falt, Deputy Director-General of UNESCO; Mr. Ventsislav Velev, head of unit “Regional Activities” in the Ministry of Culture, Mrs. Myuyesser Solak, Chief of the political cabinet of the Minister of Education and Science, Mr. Todor Chobanov, Deputy Mayor of Sofia.

The Director of the Regional Centre for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Southeastern Europe under the auspices of UNESCO, Mr. Hristo Angelichin welcomed the guests and reminded the importance and the function of the Regional Centre for the region. At the same time he welcomed expanding the scope of the Centre and indicated its intention to participate in future initiatives at regional and international level.

In the module for intangible cultural heritage on “Living Human Treasures” participated  UNESCO’s longtime functionaries, international guests, experts from major bulgarian institutions. On behalf of the Regional Centre attended representatives of Romania and FYR Macedonia: Acad. Sabina Ispas, Director of the Romanian Institute of Ethnology and Folklore and Ms. Ivona Tatarchevska advisor on intangible Cultural Heritage at the Ministry of Culture of FYR Macedonia. They attended the festival in Koprivshtitsa the previous day.

For Further Information:
International round table titled: “70 years UNESCO – peace through education, science and culture”
11th National Fair of Bulgarian folklore