Empowering displaced communities in Greece through living heritage

During the workshop, participants piloted community-based needs identification alongside 35 participants from 8 nationalities – Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, South Sudan, and Sudan. Together, they explored how living heritage could be safeguarded, adapted, and revitalised under conditions of displacement. 

The results were deeply inspiring, as communities shared compelling ideas on how to keep their heritage alive. For many, it was the first opportunity since leaving their homes to speak openly about preserving their traditions, skills, and cultural practices.

Residents and camp operators engaged in open dialogue marked by relief, recognition, and renewed connection, exploring practical ways to preserve identity and strengthen resilience. 

The Arabic-speaking group proposed embroidery and sewing workshops alongside cooking sessions, combining heritage safeguarding with income-generating opportunities. The Sudanese community envisioned dance gatherings, food tasting events, language transmission, and cultural workshops. South Sudanese participants stressed the need to adapt practices to their new context, prioritising vocational training and traditional sports to strengthen intergenerational ties, noting: “We need to practice our traditions to remember where we come from and preserve our culture”. 

The Farsi-speaking community emphasised language preservation and the creation of safe spaces for Afghan women to practice traditional crafts like carpet weaving and embroidery, turning heritage into empowerment and livelihood.

Across all communities, a common thread emerged: living heritage is not a luxury, it is a lifeline. It nurtures a sense of belonging, dignity, and hope. By strengthening resilience, fostering dialogue, and building bridges between cultures, living heritage plays a vital role in humanitarian contexts. 

As global displacement continues to rise, UNESCO remains committed to this work, championing living heritage as a force that strengthens communities, fosters integration, and inspires hope for generations to come.