Venezuela advances cultural heritage and scientific agenda at UNESCO

Venezuela is advancing its strategic agenda at UNESCO, focusing on the preservation of cultural heritage, the development of creative industries, and the strengthening of scientific and technological cooperation. Ernesto Villegas, the country’s permanent delegate to the organization, highlighted the state's commitment to safeguarding both tangible and intangible assets.

Regarding intangible heritage, Venezuela currently has 11 expressions inscribed on UNESCO lists, including the Diablos Danzantes del Corpus Christi, Joropo, and the festivities surrounding San Juan Bautista. New nominations are currently under evaluation, including the Tamunangue dance, the Arepa, and the Hallaca.

In terms of tangible heritage, efforts are directed toward the conservation of three World Heritage sites: the Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas, Canaima National Park, and the city of Coro with its port of La Vela. Additionally, the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Emergency Fund has been activated to provide technical assistance for evaluating damage to educational and cultural infrastructure following seismic events in June.