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

05 July, 2023

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.

MFA RA
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