Representing UNESCO, Fumiko Ohinata, Secretary of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Nicholas Tan, an Associate Programme Specialist for Asia and the Pacific, attended the consultation. Uzbek officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Mahalla Association, the National Commission for UNESCO, and the country’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO also participated in the meeting.

During the meeting, the Uzbek side highlighted the mahalla’s longstanding history, its crucial role in society, and its importance in maintaining national traditions. They stressed that the mahalla is a vital component of Uzbek life, bringing people together through values like good neighborliness, mutual aid, solidarity, and respect for elders.

Special emphasis was placed on the cultural aspect of the mahalla. Over centuries, it has functioned as a space where traditions are actively maintained in daily life: holidays and significant family occasions are celebrated together, customs of mutual aid are upheld, intergenerational bonds are reinforced, and knowledge, values, and life experiences are passed down to the younger generations.

UNESCO Secretariat representatives examined the provided materials with strong interest, highlighting the unique social lifestyle centered on the mahalla in Uzbekistan. They emphasized during the discussion that community traditions, cultural exchanges, and the intergenerational transfer of heritage are essential elements of living intangible cultural heritage.

During the discussion, it was noted that the mahalla’s experience demonstrates a community organization typical of Uzbekistan, where cultural values are preserved, enriched, and passed down through generations. UNESCO representatives highlighted that these forms of local community interaction could be highly relevant within the framework of the “living heritage” concept, which is fundamental to the 2003 Convention.

The consultation marked further progress in strengthening cooperation between Uzbekistan and UNESCO on preserving and promoting the country’s rich intangible cultural heritage, including the unique traditions and values developed within the mahalla institution.