The President of the European Association of Folklore Festivals (EAFF) took part in the General Assembly of the Regional Centre for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in South-Eastern Europe under the auspices of UNESCO, held on 17 December 2025 in Plovdiv.

The forum brought together representatives of all member states of the Centre, as well as a representative of the Director-General of UNESCO, Mr. Sinisa Sesum. The participation of the President of EAFF highlighted the Association’s active involvement in international processes related to the safeguarding and development of intangible cultural heritage.

During the session, the Executive Director of the Regional Centre, Irena Todorova, presented the report on the Centre’s activities for 2025, along with the main priorities and planned initiatives for 2026.

At the event, Deputy Minister of Culture Mr. Ashot Kazaryan outlined the priorities of the Bulgarian state in the field of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, emphasizing the need for closer regional cooperation in South-Eastern Europe.

Mr. Oleksandr Butsenko of Ukraine was elected Chair of the General Assembly.

The participation of the President of EAFF in the General Assembly reaffirms the Association’s role as an active partner in international dialogue and initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting folklore traditions and cultural diversity in Europe.