The event, held at the National Museum at Independence Drive, Banjul, was supported by UNESCO and implemented by the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC).
The 2003 UNESCO Convention on the protection of the ICH ratified in 2011 by The Gambia, and have been reporting on the activities that the country undertook as far as the 2003 convention is concerned.
Sanna Jarjou of the NCAC serving as the focal person for Intangible Cultural Heritage, The Gambia, urged the participants to put their best in discussing and validating the report as it is very important the country.
The report, he added, would further pave way forward for the future of ICH in the country, while encouraging all to take their time in giving relevant and important information as much as they could.
“It is mandated on the implementing body and the country to report on the activities engaged for the year, prepare report, discuss and validate it to allow the National Centre for Arts and Culture make a final submission to UNESCO.”
For his part, Hassoum Ceesay, Director General of the National Centre for Arts and Culture, thanked stakeholders for giving their best in discussing and validating the report.
He briefly reflected on the 2003 UNESCO Convention, saying since The Gambia ratified it, it became obligatory to report on activities that the country partook while he applauded the UNESCO office for its support to The Gambia in different areas as far as culture and relevant issues are concerned.
“To remember that The NCAC has successfully reported on the 1972, 2005 Conventions as required, and is now ready to submit the Country Report on the 2003 Convention.” He divulged.
