ROMANIA, REPRESENTED BY A DELEGATION OF 15 PARTICIPANTS IN TWO BIG INTERNATIONAL EVENTS ORGANIZED AT UNESCO

Paris, 10 November 2026

Romania was represented by a delegation consisting of 15 people at two important international events held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, within the International Youth Festival THE PLANET OF ART 2026: inauguration of the international exhibition "Living Heritage: The Role of Women" and the gala performance "Symphony of Unity".

The Romanian participation brought together talented young people, teachers and representatives of the UNESCO community, offering a beautiful testimony of the artistic potential of the young generation and Romania's involvement in promoting intercultural dialogue through art and culture.

Coordination of Romania's participation in the two events, selection and registration of young artists in international events, as well as the recommendation of the young ballerina for the artistic program were made by the Alumnus Club for UNESCO. Through this involvement, the club facilitated the representation of talented young people from Romania in an important international cultural context, contributing to the promotion of creativity and Romanian artistic values.

A special moment was the participation of the five Romanian children who were finalists of the international exhibition, representing the "Coloare si vis" painting circle from Corbeni, Arges county, coordinated by teacher Elena Stoica. Their works, selected in this international competition, they brought creativity to the public's attention, the artistic sensibility and talent of young people in Romania.

Romania was also represented on the stage of the "Symphony of Unity" gala performance by ballerina student Sara Mocanu, who participated in the international artistic program with his teacher, Olimpia Cristina Cheta. His presence constituted a Romanian artistic contribution to a show dedicated to the unit, friendship and dialogue between cultures, through the universal language of music and dance.

The Romanian delegation was happy, also, by the particularly honorable presence of His Excellency, Mrs. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, Ambassador and President of the Committee of NGOs within the Executive Council of UNESCO, whose participation gave added prestige to the Romanian presence at these international events.

The two events were organized by the National Federation of UNESCO Clubs of Kazakhstan, under the direction of Mr. Bolat Akchulakov, President of the World Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO (WFUCA).

The exhibition "Living Heritage: The Role of Women' brought to the fore the essential contribution of women to the preservation and transmission of living cultural heritage, bringing together artistic creations of children and young people from many countries. The inauguration was accompanied by the release of the international album with the selected works.

The evening continued with the gala performance "Symphony of Unity", an extensive international artistic program, with the participation of 12 young soloists from ten countries, accompanied by an orchestra of 27 by musicians of the Kurmangazy National Conservatory in Kazakhstan and students of Choreographic School A. Seleznev din Almaty.

The events had a special anniversary significance, marking 80 years since the founding of UNESCO and 45 years since the establishment of WFUCA, reaffirming the role of art, education and culture in building bridges of communication and friendship between peoples.

The participation of the Romanian delegation in these two events of international scope represents a beautiful recognition of the talent of young people, of the work of the teachers who guide them and the contribution of the Alumnus Club for UNESCO to the promotion of universal values ​​and to the support of the new generation of artists.

FRACU was present at UNESCO through the talent of its children, through art, education and the spirit of intercultural dialogue.

HE Ambassador of Romania to UNESCO, Mrs. Simona Mirela Miculescu:

,, When young talent meets cultural heritage, the result is nothing short of magic! And when Romanian talent shines on UNESCO’s stage, my heart beats a little faster!

We enjoyed a lovely evening, where art, music and dance came together to celebrate creativity, cultural diversity and the extraordinary power of culture to bring young people closer!

The exhibition “Living Heritage: The Role of Women” offered a wonderful tribute to women’s essential contribution to preserving, transmitting and reinventing our cultural heritage. Featuring works by the Festival’s finalists – including 4 young artists from Romania – alongside creations by Kazakh artists Bakyt Shuketayev and Aigerim Karibayeva, it reminded us that heritage is not simply what we inherit, but also what we nurture and pass on.

And then came the magnificent “Symphony of Concord” gala concert! Young laureates aged just 12 to 17 – including a young Romanian ballet dancer – accompanied by the Orchestra of the Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory and the dance ensemble of the Seleznev Almaty Choreography School, brought UNESCO’s Room I to life with talent, energy and emotion.

A very special source of joy and pride for me was the participation of the young Romanian artists and ballet dancer! Seeing Romania represented by such promising talents on UNESCO’s prestigious stage was deeply moving. Their artistic dedication, creativity and passion are a beautiful reminder that our country’s greatest cultural ambassadors are often its youngest ones!

They carry not only their talent, but also a little piece of Romania into the hearts of international audiences. And what better investment in our common future than giving these young artists the opportunity to shine, exchange and grow together?

My warmest congratulations and heartfelt appreciation go to the Permanent Delegation of Kazakhstan to UNESCO for organizing this splendid celebration of artistic excellence and cultural friendship, and to the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations (WFUCA) for all its valuable contribution!

A particularly affectionate word of appreciation goes to Daniela Popescu, Vice-President of WFUCA, whose Romanian presence in the leadership of this worldwide network is another wonderful reason for pride. Her dedication to the ideals of UNESCO and to bringing people together through culture, education and international cooperation deserves special recognition!

There is something profoundly hopeful about watching a new generation speak the universal language of music, dance and art, beyond borders, cultures and generations.

Because culture is not merely a bridge between peoples. It is also a bridge between generations, between memory and imagination, between the world we have inherited and the one we dream of building.

Congratulations to all the remarkable young artists, to our wonderful Romanian participants, and to everyone who made this evening such a memorable celebration of talent, friendship and the living spirit of UNESCO!

And thank you for the opportunity to wear my beautiful “chapan” from Kazakhstan, made out of camel hair and silk!”

Film presented in Greece, prepared by the Alumnus Club for UNESCO within the Anniversary Program "Romania in UNESCO '70"

Romanian Federation of Associations and Clubs for UNESCO, participant in the International Cultural Festival of the Five Continents, held in Greece

Nikaia, Greece | 23– October 25 2026

During October 23–25 2026, the city of Nikaia in Greece hosted the International Cultural Festival of the Five Continents, an event dedicated to intercultural dialogue, the diversity of artistic expressions and international cooperation.

The first edition of the CINEMA CORNER project took place during the festival, in which the Romanian Federation of Associations and Clubs for UNESCO also participated (FRACU), by presenting a video material with a strong anniversary and symbolic meaning for Romania.

The video material scored 70 de ani de la aderarea României la UNESCO, UNDERLINING, at the same time, almost 30 of years of activity of the Romanian Federation of Associations and Clubs for UNESCO in the field of UNESCO civil society. The presentation was an opportunity to bring to the attention of the international public the continuity of Romania's commitment to the ideals and values ​​of UNESCO, as well as the contribution of civil society to the promotion of education, culturii, dialogue and understanding between peoples.

FRACU's participation was recognized by awarding the Participation Certificate, offered by the UNESCO Club of Piraeus and the Islands, International Organization International ACTION ART and the European and North American Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO, through its president, John Maronites.

This recognition represents an appreciation of the Romanian Federation's involvement in international cultural initiatives and a confirmation of the importance of collaboration between UNESCO civil society organizations and structures from different countries.

Romania's presence at Nikaia, in such an important anniversary year, provided yet another opportunity to publicize our country's contribution to the UNESCO movement and reaffirm the role of civil society in building dialogue bridges, solidarity and international cooperation through culture and education.

Alumnus Club for UNESCO and
The Cultural Association "Cetatea Romanței" organized
The anniversary event "Romania in UNESCO '70" in Târgoviște, within the 59th edition of the "Golden Chrysanthemum" National Festival of Interpretation and Creation of Romance - 2026

Mumbai, 24 October 2026

Romanian Federation of Associations and Clubs for UNESCO (FRACU) to celebrated, at the "Casa Romanței" Museum in Târgoviște, two prominent personalities of Romanian culture, Alexandru Mironov and prof. univ. dr. Ioan Opris, to whom he granted the title of Honorary Members of the Federation, in recognition of their contributions to the promotion of culture, education, science, UNESCO heritage and values.

Evenimentul, held under the banner "Romania in UNESCO '70", was organized in association with the "Golden Chrysanthemum" Festival, in a symbolic space for the promotion and preservation of Romanian cultural heritage - the "Casa Romanței" Museum. Unique in Romania, the museum was founded in 2017 by Teodor Vasiliu and Andrei Vasiliu, becoming a true embassy of Romanian culture through the national and international events held together with FRACU and ENAFCAU.

The demonstration was moderated by Mrs. Alina Mavrodin Vasiliu, the president of FRACU, and the Laudatio dedicated to the two personalities was supported by Mrs. Daniela Popescu, general secretary of FRACU, which highlighted the professional path, the contributions and connection of each to UNESCO's cultural values ​​and ideals.

His Excellency honored the invitation at the event, Mrs. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, ambassador, Permanent representative of the Romanian Delegation to UNESCO, whose presence gave a special dimension to the meeting dedicated to those 70 years of Romania's membership in UNESCO.

They were, also, present members of the two juries of the "Golden Chrysanthemum" Festival, of Interpretation and Creation, Mrs. Monica Babuc, former Minister of Culture from the Republic of Moldova and director of ICR Chisinau, Mrs. Svetlana Bivol, the president of the Union of Musicians from the Republic of Moldova, well-known romantic performers from Romania and abroad, as well as representatives from five organizations, members of the Romanian Federation of Associations and Clubs for UNESCO.

The awarding of the two awards is a gesture of recognition of distinct careers and contributions, united by the same concern for culture and knowledge. Alexandru Mironov was honored for his work dedicated to the promotion of science, education and dialogue with the younger generations, including as former Secretary General of the CNR UNESCO, and the university professor dr. Ioan Opriș for his outstanding contribution to the research, the protection and valorization of the Romanian cultural heritage and the development of museology.

A special moment of the meeting was the presence of the Tatar Democratic Union, which gave participants the opportunity to discover and enjoy traditional culinary products, representative of the gastronomic heritage of the Tatar minority. This contribution brought a touch of authenticity and hospitality to the event, illustrating the richness of cultural diversity and the dialogue between ethnic communities in Romania.

The festive moment of the awarding of Honorary Diplomas took place during the Gala Evening of the "Golden Chrysanthemum" Festival, event transmitted live by Romanian Television, giving this institutional recognition the visibility of a national cultural event.

Through this initiative, FRACU continues to bring to the fore personalities who, through their entire activity, they contributed to the affirmation of culture, education and heritage and promoting UNESCO values.

The anniversary of "Romania in UNESCO '70" thus became not only an occasion to remember a seven-decade journey, but also a moment of gratitude towards the people who built, supported and passed on the values ​​of Romanian culture.

Alumnus Club for UNESCO, through its chairmanship, Daniela Popescu, was part of the regional meeting of UNESCO clubs in Arab countries, held at 29 September 2026, event organized by UNESCO and the Tunisian Federation.

The meeting represented an important moment of dialogue and exchange of experience between the participating UNESCO organizations and clubs and provided the framework for the presentation of international cooperation initiatives.

During the event, The Alumnus Club for UNESCO presented the partnership developed in the period 2025–2026 with the UNESCO Club of Gafsa in Tunisia, part of the "Euro-Arab Cultural Bridge – Education" initiative, Heritage and UNESCO Cooperation”, carried out in cooperation with partners from Romania and Tunisia.

partnership, started at Gafsa, in November 2025, through a series of symbolic and cultural moments - the planting of trees, participation in the film festival, the celebration of Romania's National Day and the discovery of Tunisian heritage, including the memorable experience in the desert – continued in Romania, in April 2026, through the program held in Bucovina.

The presentation thus highlighted the continuity of a collaboration built through culture, education, patrimony, youth and UNESCO values, as well as the perspective of its development in a wider framework of cooperation between Europe and the Arab world.

Below we reproduce the speech presented at the regional meeting:

Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear friends,

Some bridges are built of stone. Others are built through trust, shared memories and the courage to discover one another.

Between Romania and Tunisia, such a bridge began to take shape through culture, education, heritage and UNESCO values.

The initiative “Euro-Arab Cultural Bridge – Education, Heritage and UNESCO Cooperation” is particularly important because it represents the first common initiative between the European and Arab branches of the World Federation.

We are opening a new path for Euro-Arab cooperation, with the ambition to involve other UNESCO organizations and communities from Europe and the Arab world.
This initiative was also dedicated to the 70th anniversary of Romania’s membership in UNESCO.

In Romania, it was organized by the Romanian Federation, the Alumnus Club, the CYGNUS Scientific Society and the “Bucovina” Forestry College, together with our Tunisian partners, especially the Club of Gafsa.
I would like to thank Mr. Mokhtar Farhat, President of the Club and Vice-President of the World Federation, as well as Mr. Mohamed Tlili and the entire Tunisian team, for their friendship, hospitality and commitment.

Our first meeting took place in Gafsa in November 2025. We planted trees together, participated in the Gafsa Film Festival, met at the university, celebrated Romania’s National Day and experienced the Tunisian desert — moments that brought us closer to the country, its people and its culture.

What began in Gafsa continued in Romania. From 1 to 8 April 2026, we welcomed our Tunisian partners to Bucovina, where they discovered Romania through its cultural and natural heritage. They visited the UNESCO World Heritage monasteries, explored local crafts, museums and ethnographic collections, and experienced the region’s natural landscapes.

They also discovered the educational and scientific dimension of Bucovina through the National Forestry Research, and a day dedicated to University of Suceava.

A central moment was the international conference “Youth and Museums”, 18th edition, bringing together young people, partner organizations, UNESCO representatives and the ambassadors of Romania and Tunisia.

For us, young people are essential. They are not only the future custodians of our heritage; they can also become active participants in preserving, interpreting and transmitting it.

The initiative was marked by two symbolic gestures: a tree was planted in Gafsa and a flag was raised in Câmpulung Moldovenesc. A tree needs time to grow, and so does cooperation.
I invite UNESCO organizations, cultural institutions, schools, universities and local communities across Europe and the Arab world to join us. I especially invite young people to become ambassadors of this bridge;

And I would like to conclude with an idea drawn from the Pope’s brilliant speech at UNESCO:
“Communion in no way suppresses diversity.”
Unity does not erase diversity. On the contrary, diversity can flourish in the harmony of our voices.

Dear friends, from every corner of the world,
We do not have to become the same in order to understand one another. We must learn to recognize and respect our differences, and to transform them into bridges.
This is exactly what I felt in Gafsa and in Bucovina.b

Over 80 of participants from different European countries turned the meeting organized by the Federation of Associations and Clubs from Moldova with the support of UNESCO into an event full of energy, dialogue and effervescence – as I think a real event dedicated to young people should look like.

In the intervention of the president of the club, Daniela Popescu, the role of young people in promoting gender equality was discussed and two directions for Europe were proposed:

a UNESCO European Youth Observatory, created by young people from UNESCO clubs and associations, aimed at identifying challenges related to stereotypes, equality and educational opportunities, developing and disseminating, ALSO, concrete solutions from our countries. Its activity could materialize in an annual European map of equality among young people, which reflect both the challenges, as well as good practices.

Secondly, an initiative entitled "UNESCO - Equality in Action", through which, annual, young people from a certain country would propose and test a concrete solution to promote equality at the level of a local community. Successful ideas could later be taken up, adapted and put into practice by young people from other countries, thus creating a European circuit of solutions developed and tested by young people themselves.
He introduced himself, Alumnus Club activity for UNESCO, youth organization, as well as the projects of the Romanian Federation of Associations and Clubs for UNESCO dedicated to children and young people, including the international project "Spring begins in the mother's heart" and the Bucharest-Odesa Artistic Duplex "Everything Begins in Mother's Heart", of 1 July 2026, all this in this anniversary year: Romania 70 de ani in UNESCO.

It is a joy that the Alumnus Club is an active presence in these international dialogues and that this experience can be shared with young people in Europe.