Celebration of International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage: Minister Bošnjak Highlights the Importance of Preserving Cultural Identity

The Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dubravka Bošnjak, participated in the Second International Scientific and Professional Conference "Cultural Heritage and Identity of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina," held in Široki Brijeg. This conference, organized on the occasion of the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage, gathered experts and representatives of institutions with the goal of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In her address, the Minister emphasized the importance of intangible cultural heritage as the foundation of identity and continuity for communities, and highlighted the role of the Ministry of Civil Affairs in supporting projects through funding and education programs.

She commended the activities of the organizers, particularly the Society for the Digitization of Traditional Cultural Heritage, which has achieved the status of an advisory NGO at UNESCO. The Minister emphasized the significance of implementing the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, as well as the role of cultural and artistic societies and other organizations in preserving identity.

She encouraged participants to make use of the Creative Europe Program for financing cultural projects and mentioned the Ministry’s efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina's involvement in the development of the European Council's Cultural Routes Program, noting that currently, six certified routes pass through Bosnia and Herzegovina. She also hinted at the preparation of a document titled "Mapping Cultural Routes in BiH," which promotes innovative ways to preserve cultural heritage and strengthen local communities.

The conference in Široki Brijeg brought together representatives from cultural and educational institutions, NGOs, and other key stakeholders in the field of cultural heritage.