Tamanrasset, Algeria - The First International Imzad Symposium organized by the “Save the Imzad Association” with the support of UNESCO, aims at promoting awareness of this instrument, its role in Tuareg culture and in today’s world, as a referent for women and a tool against poverty.

Speakers from 12 countries will be present and, in particular, musicians from Mali and Niger as well as Algeria, countries where the Imzad is still in use.

UNESCO has promoted an Imzad training program for 40 girls who will receive their diplomas at the seminar. This activity is part of the interdisciplinary project for the fight against poverty (Millennium goal) “the Sahara of cultures and peoples” which aims to promote sustainable development and poverty reduction based on preservation and revitalization of the tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

The 2003 Convention on the preservation of the intangible cultural heritage will be presented during the Seminar: Algeria is the first Member State to adhere to this instrument.

[Photo Joueuse d'imzad, Tamanrasset © L. Veirier / UNESCO].