Paris, 10 November 2026– With the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, UNESCO Headquarters in Paris hosted the official opening of the exhibition on “The Role of Women in Safeguarding Living Heritage” and the gala concert “Symphony of Concord”, organized as part of “The Planet of Art 2026” International Youth Festival under the patronage of UNESCO.
Over nearly two decades, the festival has become a major international platform for unlocking the creative potential of children and young people under the age of 18 from around the world, united in more than 5,000 clubs and associations for UNESCO in 95 countries, 198 of them in Kazakhstan. Notably, Kazakhstan holds the presidency of the World Federation of Clubs and AssociationsforUNESCO for 2023–2027.
Since 2009, more than 100,000 young talents from all over the world have taken part in The Planet of Art festivals organized by the Kazakhstan National Federation of Clubs for UNESCO (KazFUCA). Last October, as is tradition, the winners of the competition attended the award ceremonies in Almaty. Paintings by the winners of the fine arts track from 54 countries are being showcased at the exhibition in Paris, while the winners of the musical track were invited to perform on UNESCO’s main stage.
“Kazakhstan takes pride in its contribution to the progress of the global network of clubs and associations for UNESCO, which plays its meaningful role in international cooperation for developing the creative potential of young people – a contribution recognized in a decision of the UNESCO Executive Board in April 2026,” said Askar Abdrakhmanov, Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of Kazakhstan to UNESCO, at the opening ceremony of the exhibition.
For his part, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Nayef Al-Fayez emphasized that the intergovernmental organization he represents has warmly welcomed the initiative to dedicate The Planet of Art 2026 festival to the role of women in safeguarding and passing on to future generations the traditional knowledge, crafts, performing arts, rituals and customs that form the foundation of the cultural identities of their countries and communities.
“Cultural diversity is not only something to preserve. It is something to experience, share and continually reimagine. I would like to express our sincere congratulations to the World and Kazakhstan Federations of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO, to the authorities and institutions of Kazakhstan, and to all the partners, educators and artists who made this evening possible,” he noted.
A special place in the exhibition was given to works by renowned contemporary artists Bakyt Shuketayev and Aigerim Karibayeva, an Envoy of Clubs for UNESCO, dedicated to the living heritage of Kazakhstan and other nations of the world. Through a reinterpretation of traditional images and symbols in contemporary contexts, the artists subtly reveal the role of women in preserving collective memory and continuity between generations.
Participants in the ceremony noted that the thematic exhibition is taking place ahead of the 21st session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which will open in less than a month in Xiamen, China. During the session, new nominations for inscription on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage lists will be examined, including three involving Kazakhstan: “The Art of Embroidery: Biz Keste, Bedel Keste”, “Traditional Felt Making: Kiiz Basu” and “Salburyn: Equestrian Festival with Tazy Dogs and Burkit Eagles”.
The evening continued with the gala concert “Symphony of Concord”, enjoyed by a large audience. Its vibrant and varied programme brought together young performers aged 12 to 18 from ten countries, accompanied by the Student Symphony Orchestra of the Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory and students of the Alexander Seleznev Almaty Choreographic School, as well as another Envoy of Clubs for UNESCO, prominent accordionist Galymzhan Narymbetov, and a few other professional musicians.
The audience included representatives of the UNESCO Secretariat and the diplomatic corps, as well as Parisian residents and visitors appreciating fine art, danse, classical and folk music.
At the opening of the concert, guests were also shown a video address by Bolat Akchulakov, President of the World Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO, who thanked the festival’s partners for their consistent support to international initiatives for the development of creative youth.
The concert and the exhibition in Paris were organized by the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations and the Kazakhstan National Federation of UNESCO Clubs, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and corporate partners, including BI Group, Tengizchevroil, TotalEnergies, and Freedom Shapagat Foundation.
Follow memleket.kz on social media
Important news from Kazakhstan and useful articles on the platform you prefer.
