UNESCO has unveiled the latest additions to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, celebrating a rich array of global traditions that reflect the importance of cuisine, festivals, and local customs.
Among the headline recognitions were Italy’s national cuisine and Egypt’s iconic dish, koshary, marking significant milestones for both countries in preserving and showcasing their cultural heritage.
In an historic moment for Italian culture, Italy became the first country to have its entire national cuisine inscribed on the prestigious UNESCO list. The recognition, approved at UNESCO’s annual session in New Delhi, highlights the profound connection between Italian food, family life, and regional identity. Supported by both Italy’s culture and agriculture ministries, the bid underscored the central role of cuisine in Italian social life, from traditional recipes passed down through generations to the culinary diversity found across the country.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the decision, expressing the deep cultural value of Italian cuisine for her country.
"For us Italians, cuisine is not just food, not just a collection of recipes; it is much more: it is culture, tradition, work, wealth," Meloni said, reflecting the sentiment felt by many Italians who see their food as an essential part of their national identity.
Egypt also celebrated a major cultural victory with the inclusion of koshary, a popular dish made from rice, lentils, and pasta, in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Known for its widespread popularity and presence in everyday Egyptian life, koshary is considered a symbol of the country's culinary heritage. The recognition highlights its significance not only as a beloved meal but as a staple of Egyptian culture.
At Cairo's famous Abou Tarek restaurant, a renowned spot for serving the dish, the staff expressed pride in the recognition, emphasising the role koshary plays in uniting Egyptians across all walks of life.
"Koshary truly deserves to be included in UNESCO, especially with the Egyptian people, so we can document Egyptian identity within UNESCO," said Ahmed Shaker, a public relations officer at Abou Tarek.
"Koshary is one of the pillars of Egyptian cuisine for all Egyptians, across all groups, it's not limited to any specific group; all Egyptians eat koshary," Shaker said.
In addition to Italy and Egypt, UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage list also saw the inclusion of several other vital cultural traditions.
India’s Diwali, the vibrant festival of lights, was added, underscoring the festival's significance to Indian culture and its widespread celebration across the globe.
Iceland’s distinctive swimming pool culture, known for its role in social interaction and community building, was also inscribed, reflecting the importance of public pools in Icelandic daily life.
UNESCO highlighted that all inscribed traditions, whether they relate to food, festivals, or other aspects of life, reflect “active community participation” and an ongoing commitment to preserving living heritage for future generations. This inclusion not only honours these practices but also ensures their continued recognition and protection in the face of modern challenges.
Celebration of heritage across borders
UNESCO’s latest additions to the Intangible Cultural Heritage list reinforce the idea that culture is living, evolving, and deeply tied to communities. Whether it’s Italy’s iconic dishes, Egypt’s beloved koshary, or India’s Diwali, these traditions represent the heartbeat of nations and the pride of their people. By recognising such traditions, UNESCO continues to promote the preservation of cultural identities while encouraging cross-cultural understanding and dialogue.
As these cultural elements join the ranks of UNESCO’s celebrated heritage, they are not only honoured for their historical and social significance but also positioned as vital parts of the future. The recognition of these traditions helps ensure that they will be cherished, celebrated, and passed down to future generations, continuing to shape the cultural landscape of the world.
Time Magazine has chosen the creators behind artificial intelligence as its 2025 Person of the Year, highlighting the technology’s sweeping impact o...
Iran is preparing to host a multilateral regional meeting next week in a bid to mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan....
Azerbaijan has been elected as a member of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development and the Commission for Social Development, the ...
Baku and Budapest strengthen diplomatic relations as Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, began a working visit to Hungary on, Wednesday,...
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has revised its outlook for the economies of Central Asia and the Caucasus by raising its growth forecast for 2026...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country and European partners will soon be ready to present the United States with refined documents outlining a potential peace plan following days of high-stakes diplomacy.
Italy is awaiting a ruling from UNESCO that could officially place its cuisine on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list, a recognition that would highlight the nation’s centuries-old culinary traditions. A final decision is expected on Wednesday (10 December).
Ukraine "deeply appreciates" the humanitarian support of Pope Leo XIV. This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a meeting between the two at the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo, on Tuesday, 9 December.
Israel and U.S. are set to discuss the next phases of the Gaza ceasefire plan on 29 December according to the Israeli Prime Minister's office.
Scores of demonstrators gathered outside the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo Tuesday (9 December) to protest against the awarding of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
Iran and Saudi Arabia reiterated their commitment to enhance ties following a joint meeting with China in Tehran on Tuesday to follow up on implementation of the 2023 Beijing Agreement which resulted in resumption of their diplomatic relations after eight years.
The world’s leading minds and voices will be honoured on Wednesday, 10 December, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death, as Nobel Prizes are presented in Stockholm and Oslo.
In a dramatic Champions League clash at Baku’s Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, Qarabağ grabbed an early lead, but Ajax staged a thrilling comeback to win 4-2.
Ukraine "deeply appreciates" the humanitarian support of Pope Leo XIV. This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a meeting between the two at the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo, on Tuesday, 9 December.
Iceland is has become the fifth country to withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.
The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, for her tireless efforts in advocating for democracy and a peaceful transition in Venezuela.
Italy is awaiting a ruling from UNESCO that could officially place its cuisine on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list, a recognition that would highlight the nation’s centuries-old culinary traditions. A final decision is expected on Wednesday (10 December).
Netflix’s plan to buy Warner Bros marks a rare moment in Hollywood where scale, risk and ambition collide. The agreement, announced on 5 December, puts a price of roughly 82.7 billion dollars on one of the film industry's most influential studios.
American talk show host Oprah Winfrey has praised Australia's decision to ban social media for under-16s from next week, saying the move would help young people socialise more.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment