In early 2020, the world changed.
Hit by a pandemic, countries witnessed a dramatic change in citizens’ everyday lives, in the ways businesses operated, in the tourism industry, and in border controls.
Millions suffered as the result of a terrible new coronavirus named COVID-19.
After reeling from the effects of the threat of COVID-19, the IOV quickly got back to work, continuing to protect intangible cultural heritage and determining how to accomplish the organisation’s mission in spite of the new restrictions.
Holding regular virtual meetings, the Executive Committee continued to implement the organisational strategies outlined in the Time to Change – Plan IOV 2020. In addition to launching the new IOV World website with its new features, layout and members-only section, the Committee continued to produce new publications and to communicate with new and existing members.
The IOV’s Youth Commission started using WhatsApp to gather young participants from around the world. This Commission also created an Instagram page and a social media platform to showcase traditional art submitted by people in different countries.
Other IOV members participated in successful online festivals such as Folk Online Fest, the world’s first virtual folklore festival. The work did not and should not stop.
The more difficult the pandemic becomes, the more we need to protect and share our intangible heritage for it is an instrument of peace that can unify and inspire us in times of light and darkness.
Best Wishes,
Ali Khalifa
IOV World President