UNESCO, World Crafts Council and Ministry of Textiles hold World Crafts Forum to Showcase Global Traditional Crafts and Artisanship

World Crafts Forum was a celebration of global craft and cultural legacy which highlighted the contribution of the crafts sector to the economy and sustainable development. The forum brought together artisans, policymakers and craft leaders from around the world showcasing their craft traditions.

During their inaugural addresses, Mr. Tim Curtis, Director and Representative, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia; Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles; Ms. Amrit Raj, IPoS, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts); and Mr. Saad al-Qaddumi, President, World Crafts Council, emphasized the transformative power of crafts as living heritage and their vital contribution to the economy.

Crafts are not merely relics of the past; they are dynamic expressions of cultural identity that adapt to contemporary needs while preserving traditional techniques. This adaptability ensures that craftsmanship remains relevant, fostering innovation alongside tradition.

By integrating creativity, cultural heritage, and tourism into urban development, we can transform cities into vibrant hubs that celebrate cultural diversity. Craftsmanship not only enriches heritage but also drives innovation, creating jobs and fostering social inclusion in our ever-globalizing world.

Panelists of this session included Ms. Yunhak Seong from Jinju, Republic of Korea, Ms. Nadia Meer from Cape Town, South Africa, Mr. Prachanda Shakya from Lalitpur, Nepal and Ms. P. Anvesha Reddy, IAS, from Jajpur, Odisha, India, who shared inspiring success stories, showcasing how these cities are leveraging their craft traditions and creativity to shape their vibrant craft sector towards sustainable development.