Opinions & Interviews

Spiritual heritage described as strong foundation for self-identification of Belarusian people

MINSK, 23 October (BelTA) –  The intangible spiritual heritage continues to be a strong foundation for self-identification of the Belarusian people, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the National Commission for UNESCO Sergei Aleinik said at a solemn event to mark the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Minsk, BelTA has learned.

On the occasion of this anniversary, the National Library of Belarus has put together an exhibition to celebrate the cultural intangible heritage of Belarus. As the minister of foreign affairs noted, the Belarusian people carefully preserve their national traditions and have accumulated tremendous cultural experience.

"Despite the numerous wars that passed through the territory of modern Belarus and that caused significant damage to the material values of our country, Belarusians were able to preserve the intangible spiritual and cultural heritage, which continues to be a strong foundation for self-identification of our people, understanding of their place in the world and is the most important source of creative forces and energy," Sergei Aleinik said.

The minister recalled that in 2004 Belarus was among the first to ratify the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. “The Preamble to the Constitution of UNESCO declares that ‘since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.’ Acute awareness of this truth in the context of the difficult situation in the world and in the region prompts us to pay even more attention to the protection and popularization of culture, cultural traditions, intangible cultural heritage, which is the carrier of basic human values, tolerance, peace and development," the diplomat stressed.

Sergei Aleinik noted that every nation has its own historical experience and national culture, through their prism there is an understanding of other cultures and peoples. According to him, cultural heritage is the basis for the development of economic, political and humanitarian ties between countries and peoples.

"From generation to generation, Belarusians pass on the richest spiritual values that glorify the moral nature of a person. They reveal the high ideals of goodness and justice, respect for others, resolute rejection of evil and violence," the minister said. “Thanks to those who are now called the bearers, guardians and successors of traditions, the Belarusian culture has preserved its unique national flavor. Oral traditions, language, performing arts, customs, ceremonies, holidays, traditional crafts are a source of pride for Belarusians.”

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