UNESCO has conferred the title of ‘City of Literature’ on Lahore Pakistan. It is the first city in the country to receive the title. To celebrate the same, the government declared 2021 as the year of literary activities.
UNESCO’s City of Literature programme is a part of its Creative Cities Network programme launched in 2004. As part of the Creative Cities Network, member cities are conferred titles in one or more of seven creative fields based on their history and culture. The seven creative fields are Literature, Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Media Arts, and Music.
Alhamra Executive Director Dr Aslam Dogar and Unesco Country Head for Pakistan Patricia McPhillips signed the MoU at a ceremony.
Provincial Minister for Culture Khayal Ahmed Kastro, Parliamentary Secretary for Culture Nadeem Qureshi, Alhamra Chairperson Moneeza Hashmi, Public Relations Director General Saman Rai, veteran architect Nayyar Ali Dada, artist and writer Amna Pataudi, Kinnaird College for Women Principal Rukhsana David, artist Ayesha Shahnawaz, singer Waris Baig and others were also present on the occasion.
Minister Kastro said the Punjab government was making significant achievements in literature and culture.
Ms Hashmi called the signing of the MoU significant, saying Alhamra was currently the largest institution in Punjab working on culture and followed the same mandate as the UN organisation. These institutions will work together to promote and project the culture of Punjab globally, she added.
Ms McPhillips said that signing of the MoU was a happy moment and it will have positive effects.
Dr Dogar said the agreement with Unesco was a historic moment, and hoped it would prove to be a milestone in the field of art and culture as both organisations shared a common goal.
Participants of the ceremony commended the initiative of Alhamra that they said will further improve the image of the country. Souvenirs were also exchanged at the ceremony.
Credit : Dawn
Picture Credit : Google
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