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Hormozgan heritage NGO wins UNESCO advisory status
The recognition marks a rare international milestone for the southern province and gives the association a formal role in international discussions on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage while expanding opportunities to showcase Hormozgan's traditions, rituals and handicrafts on the global stage.
"The achievement is a strategic step in Hormozgan's cultural diplomacy," Director General Adel Shahrzad said, adding that the new standing would "introduce the province's civilizational heritage, living traditions and handicrafts to a broader international audience."
According to UNESCO figures cited by the official, only 317 non-governmental organizations worldwide currently hold consultative status. Shahrzad described the selection process as "highly rigorous," saying experts spent months preparing documentation that met international standards before UNESCO members voted on June 17 and 18. The organization published the final results this week.
The new status recognizes the association's institutional qualifications to contribute to policymaking on protecting intangible cultural heritage and enables it to participate in international heritage consultations.
Located along the Persian Gulf, Hormozgan is home to more than 300 historical and cultural sites, strengthening its profile as one of Iran's leading heritage destinations while providing a broad platform for promoting the province's cultural legacy through UNESCO's international network.