Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO Visits the 37th National Handicrafts Exhibition
Dr. Hassan Fartousi, on the margins of a visit to the National Handicrafts Exhibition: “The key issue is how to capitalize on the benefits associated with UNESCO Awards of Excellence (2001–2014) and the designations of historic, national and world cities; an issue that must be addressed by the cultural authorities at the provincial and national levels and, consequently, by the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO.” |
On the second day of the 37th Tehran National Handicrafts Exhibition, held from 13 to 16 November 2024 at the Tehran International Permanent Fairground, Dr. Hassan Fartousi, Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, visited the exhibition and emphasized the importance of the national and international inscription of eligible cities in the field of handicrafts. He stated that the national and international inscription of cities responds to public demands and helps bring the handicrafts and artistic creations of artisans to greater national and international visibility.
At the invitation of Dr. Rahim Khaki, Director-General of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Alborz Province, Dr. Fartousi visited the province’s pavilion, where discussions were held on ways to strengthen cooperation between the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO and the Directorate-General of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Alborz Province. Dr. Khaki subsequently invited the Secretary-General and members of the National Commission to visit Alborz Province and called for broader and closer cooperation with the Commission, emphasizing that strengthening such cooperation is among the key priorities of the Directorate-General.
Dr. Fartousi also visited the pavilion of Khuzestan artisans and, in an interview with Khuzestan Radio, noted that although the province is rich in artistic talent and has considerable potential in the field of handicrafts, an important question is how to capitalize on the opportunities and benefits following the receipt of UNESCO Awards of Excellence (2001–2014), or the prestigious designations of historic, national and world cities. He stressed that this issue should be placed among the priorities of the relevant authorities and that, through joint efforts and cooperation, effective solutions should be developed to translate these designations and recognitions into tangible benefits, with the support and capacities of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO.
At the conclusion of his interview with Khuzestan Radio, the Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO emphasized that, by making full use of available capacities and through the cooperation of officials and stakeholders from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO and other relevant institutions, the province’s potential in the field of handicrafts can be effectively developed and showcased at both the national and international levels.
It is also worth noting that the Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, accompanied by his delegation, visited the pavilions of Hamadan Province and Malayer. During the visit, he stated: “Today, I am honored to have the opportunity, at the invitation of our colleagues, to visit the highly artistic pavilions of Hamadan Province and the city of Malayer. I would like to emphasize that Iranian handicrafts are among the finest in the world and can serve as a means of fostering peace and dialogue among cultures.”
In an interview with a reporter from Hamadan Television, Dr. Fartousi highlighted the handicrafts of Hamadan Province and the beautiful, culturally vibrant city of Malayer, where the artistic craftsmanship of local artisans is combined with the wood industry, describing this combination as highly commendable. He noted that, through the efforts of the planners and organizers, a representation of the artistic heritage of Iran has been brought together and showcased at this exhibition, bringing numerous benefits. Among its most valuable aspects, he pointed to the inspiration and opportunities it creates for Iranians to draw upon in producing artistic works, as well as the healthy competitive environment it fosters among artisans, contributing to their advancement, growth and creativity.
At the conclusion of the visit, a meeting was held with officials and stakeholders at the Hamadan handicrafts pavilion to discuss areas of mutual cooperation and ways of establishing effective engagement with the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, as well as to exchange views on these matters.
