New delhi: The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has inscribed "Bisht: Skills and Practices" as a joint Arab element on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision was announced during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in New Delhi from December 8 to 13.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the nomination was led by the State of Qatar and involved the participation of Kuwait, other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Jordan, Iraq, and Syria. This collaborative effort highlights the shared cultural heritage of these nations and their dedication to preserving it for future generations.
Kuwait's delegation at the event was headed by Mohammad bin Reda, Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Antiquities and Museums at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). He took part in the committee sessions and meetings, emphasizing the importance of the bisht, which is traditionally worn during national, official, and social occasions. The bisht showcases precise hand-sewing and traditional embroidery techniques that have been passed down through generations.
Kuwait has previously inscribed six cultural elements on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, including henna (2024), date palms (2022), the Sadu educational program (2022), Arabic calligraphy (2021), and traditional Sadu weaving (2020). These inscriptions underline Kuwait's commitment to its cultural strategy, which promotes national identity, safeguards intangible heritage, and supports international cooperation.
The Kuwaiti delegation also included Al-Anoud Al-Khamis and Fajr Al-Haddad from NCCAL's Antiquities and Museums Department, and Maseera Al-Enzi representing the Sadu House. They participated in committee discussions and activities, furthering Kuwait's cultural role on a global scale.