Youth model of the UNESCO World heritage Committee opened in Kazan

Opening ceremony and first plenary session of Youth model of the UNESCO World heritage Committee was held in Kazan today. The session was chaired by RT State Counselor Mintimer Shaimiev with participation of RT Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov.

The Youth model of the UNESCO World heritage Committee is a joint initiative of Russia and UNESCO and takes place in Kazan for the first time within the framework of 36th session of the Committee being held these days in St.Petersburg.

By two representatives from 21 countries – members of the Committee aged 20-25 focusing on problems of preservation of world heritage, - students and post-graduate students of specialized higher educational institutions, young scientists were invited to take part in the event.

Main aspects of sessions of the World heritage Committee are meant to be worked out during the sessions. With the help of experts participants of the meeting will test techniques and procedures used in activity of the committee, Center of the World heritage and consulting agencies of the Convention on protection of world cultural and nature heritage. In addition, they will discuss ways to implement the Convention and its prospects, and make presentations of outstanding cultural and natural objects of their countries.

Opening the meeting, RT State Counselor Mintimer Shaimiev welcomed the audience on behalf of the Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov noting importance of the event.

Mintimer Shaimiev noted that Kazan is the place of peaceful co-existence of different nations and religions rich in objects of historical and cultural heritage. He told as well about the project on restoration of the Bolgar town and island-town Sviyazhsk realized in Tatarstan. These two towns are nominated for inclusion in the list of UNESCO World heritage objects.

RT Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov informed that Tatarstan is one of the most rapidly developing regions in Russia. “We are proud of rich cultural and historical heritage. More than 3000 cultural monuments are today protected by the state,” Head of RT Government said.

Ildar Khalikov supposes that holding of the event on the threshold of World summer universiade is very essential. The PM wished all participants successful work in Kazan.

The executive secretary of the Russian commission for UNESCO affairs Grigory Ordzhonikidze also welcomed attendees of the Youth model and conveyed greetings from UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova.