Photo exhibition “Bulgaria: 60 years in UNESCO”

Photo exhibition “Bulgaria: 60 years in UNESCO”

Bulgarian joins UNESCO on May 17, 1956. Its membership in the largest UN organization – the Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is marked by the development of active dialogue and useful cooperation, of shared values for peace, humanism and tolerance, and by the people’s, and subsequently the states’ readiness to work together for the overall cultural enrichment of peoples.

Descending from ancient civilizations and cultures, the Bulgarian people naturally perceive the cultural diversity as an indispensable asset to the world. Being aware of the power and value of its ancient history, cultural diversity and national identity, preserved through the centuries, Bulgaria has contributed to UNESCO’s mission consistently and with determination over the past six decades.

Bulgaria is proud of Ms. Irina Bokova’s election to the post of UNESCO Director General. Contributing to our national pride are also the Bulgarian sites of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, including the Boyana Church, the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, the Madara Rider, the Ancient City of Nessebar, the Rila Monastery, the Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari, thePirin National Park, the Srebarna Nature Reserve, the Bistritsa Babi vocal ensemble, the Nestinarstvo fire-dancing rite, the Chiprovtsi carpet-making tradition, the Surova folk feast and the National Folklore Festival in Koprivshtitsa. Our goal is not only to expose the world to this cultural wealth, but to also preserve it for future generations.

The current exhibition presents a small fraction of the work and commitment of thousands of people to build Bulgaria’s image in UNESCO and before the world, and to build bridges of dialogue by means of culture and by sharing cultural values.