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In the midst of Sudan's ongoing humanitarian crisis, efforts to preserve the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) are more crucial than ever. Living heritage is fundamental to maintaining Sudanese identity, fostering community bonds, and reflecting the nation's diverse cultural tapestry. The UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo, in collaboration with the Sudanese National Council for Cultural Heritage (NCCH) and the Safeguarding Sudan’s Living Heritage (SSLH) project, recently convened a meeting to safeguard such vital cultural expressions.

The focal point of the gathering was the nomination of the "Jirtiq traditional wedding ceremony" for UNESCO recognition, a significant cultural ritual deeply embedded in Sudanese society. The Jirtiq ceremony, noted for its vibrant rituals, red silk costumes, gold accessories, and traditional songs and dances, plays a pivotal role in celebrating new marriages and uniting families and communities. This cultural element is a testament to the richness of Sudanese traditions and is already listed in the .

The meeting, which brought together around 100 stakeholders including officials, academics, and civil society representatives, aimed to bolster the application to add the Jirtiq ceremony to UNESCO's list of recognized intangible cultural heritage. This initiative is part of a broader effort to preserve and promote Sudanese heritage, which includes other UNESCO-inscribed elements like the celebration of Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday, traditional metal engraving arts, date palm practices, and Arabic calligraphy.

This push to secure international recognition for the Jirtiq wedding ceremony not only seeks to safeguard this vital aspect of Sudanese heritage but also aims to reinforce the societal cohesion and resilience necessary for the nation’s recovery from its current crises.