Kazakhstan | New Cultural Heritage Plan
Kazakhstan has approved a two-year plan to preserve and promote its cultural heritage under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO).
The resolution, signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, sets out concrete measures to safeguard historical and cultural monuments, support intangible heritage, train specialists and expand Kazakhstan’s participation in international initiatives.
The plan prioritises improving the protection of World Heritage sites, promoting Kazakhstan’s cultural assets globally, strengthening expert and educational capacity, and increasing public engagement in heritage preservation.
It is structured around three key areas:
- preserving and promoting tangible cultural heritage,
- supporting the intangible cultural traditions of the Kazakh people, and
- advancing UNESCO’s Memory of the World programme.
The government also aims to join ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property), a move expected to strengthen professional collaboration and introduce modern conservation practices.
Capacity building is also a major focus. At least 30 experts will receive annual training under the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The International Educational Corporation will also develop conceptual and design projects for monument preservation as part of undergraduate and graduate programmes.
Image: Cultural Performance during a Cultural Exchange Event in Kazakhstan ©Official Information Source of the Prime minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan