On 2 March 2026, a regional online seminar entitled ‘ICH as a resource for national resilience: strategies for promotion and priority tasks for 2026’ was held, which became an important platform for professional dialogue and coordination of further steps in the field of intangible cultural heritage preservation.
The event brought together more than 90 specialists responsible for identifying, protecting and promoting elements of ICH, as well as all those interested in preserving the cultural heritage of the region.
The focus was on a range of strategic and practical issues. In particular, they discussed strategic planning for the current year, the implementation of existing projects and the improvement of algorithms for the formation and maintenance of local lists of ICH elements. Special attention was paid to the practical experience of local communities: representatives presented their achievements in creating local lists and implementing initiatives to promote traditional culture. The discussion covered effective mechanisms for promoting ICH elements at the local, regional and national levels.
An important part of the seminar was the methodological and educational section. Specialists from the Donetsk Regional Educational and Methodological Centre for Culture presented the third interactive lesson as part of the educational project "Journey through the traditions of Donetsk region. Preserve History!", aimed at integrating knowledge about intangible cultural heritage into the modern educational space.
As a result of the work, participants received methodological guidelines and practical recommendations for planning activities in 2026, which will strengthen the consistency and effectiveness of work in the field.
The preservation and promotion of intangible cultural heritage will remain one of the strategic directions of Donetsk region's cultural policy, as it is living traditions, passed down from generation to generation, that shape cultural identity and strengthen the national resilience of society.