UNESCO’s pilot initiative in Greece highlights the crucial role of intangible cultural heritage in supporting displaced communities. Recognizing that conflict erodes not only physical monuments but also traditions and community practices, the initiative aims to safeguard living heritage as a tool for resilience, cultural continuity, and dialogue. Implemented in partnership with the Hellenic Ministry of Migration and Asylum and supported by the Hellenic Ministries of Culture and Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, the project is part of the global programme “Strengthening capacities for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage in situations of conflict and forced displacement,” funded by the Republic of Azerbaijan. Its core objective is to demonstrate how living heritage can empower displaced communities and aid recovery.
The initiative was carried out in two phases. The first phase involved online training-of-trainer workshops on 29–31 October and 18–19 November 2025, equipping 30 humanitarian operators from 21 refugee facilities across Greece with practical tools and approaches to integrate cultural sensitivity and heritage-based methods into their work. The second phase translated this knowledge into practice through a three-day in-person workshop held from 25–27 November 2025 at the Open Facility of Temporary Reception in Schisto Attikis. This phase engaged 21 institutional representatives and humanitarian operators, including participants from UNICEF, UNHCR, IOM, and EUAA, emphasizing the transformative potential of living heritage in displacement contexts.
During the workshop, participants piloted community-based needs identification with 35 refugees from eight nationalities, including Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, South Sudan, and Sudan. Communities explored ways to safeguard and adapt their cultural practices under conditions of displacement. For many participants, it was the first opportunity since leaving home to openly discuss preserving traditions, skills, and practices. The engagement fostered dialogue marked by recognition and renewed connection, allowing residents and camp operators to co-create practical strategies for maintaining cultural identity and resilience.
Community proposals highlighted the diverse ways living heritage can be preserved and leveraged. The Arabic-speaking group suggested embroidery and cooking workshops combining cultural safeguarding with income opportunities. Sudanese participants envisioned dance gatherings, food events, and vocational training to maintain intergenerational ties. Farsi-speaking communities focused on language preservation and traditional crafts like carpet weaving, creating spaces that empower women and promote livelihoods. Across all groups, living heritage emerged as a lifeline that nurtures belonging, dignity, and hope.
Through this initiative, UNESCO demonstrates that safeguarding intangible cultural heritage is not a luxury but an essential strategy for resilience, integration, and cultural continuity in humanitarian settings. As displacement continues to rise globally, the organization remains committed to using living heritage to strengthen communities, foster dialogue, and inspire hope for future generations.
