Bahir Dar, Ethiopia – A major step toward UNESCO recognition was achieved this week as stakeholders gathered to validate the foundational study for the nomination of the Agaw Horse Culture, a significant cultural heritage endeavor.
Injibara University successfully convened a validation workshop at the Avanti Hotel in Bahir Dar to finalize the nomination dossier for the registration of the Agaw Horse Culture on UNESCO’s Representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The workshop, held on December 31, 2025 G.C., marks a critical step in this significant cultural heritage endeavor.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Gardachew Worku, President of Injibara University, outlined the profound multilateral benefits expected from UNESCO registration. He emphasized that recognition would elevate both domestic and international tourist arrivals, stimulate the national economy, and attract support from UNESCO’s World Heritage Fund and international partners. He further stated that, it would provide enhanced legal and policy protection for the heritage, bolster community participation and social cooperation, strengthen international collaboration, and proudly promote Ethiopia’s cultural identity on the world stage.
Birhanu Asaye (Asst. Prof), Director of the Agaw Studies Institute at Injibara University, presented the core academic justification for the nomination. He detailed the distinctive universal values embodied by the Agaw Horse Culture, confirming its strong eligibility against UNESCO’s stringent heritage criteria.
The workshop garnered high-level participation, underscoring the initiative’s national importance. Attendees included Dr. Ahmedin Mohammed, Deputy Head of the Amhara Regional Bureau of Urban Economy Cluster; Dr. Mulunesh Desie, Deputy Head of the Amhara Regional Bureau of Social Cluster; and Mr. Melkamu Tsegaye, Head of the Amhara Bureau of Culture, Tourism, and Sport. Federal representation was provided by Mr. Abebaw Ayalew, Director General of the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, and Mr. Elias Shikur, Deputy Director. Community leadership was represented by Mr. Tewodros Endalew, Chief Administrator of the Awi Nationality Zone.
The event also brought together senior scholars, elders, members of the Agaw Horsemen Association, and representatives from Injibara University and its Agaw Studies Institute.
Dr. Gardachew Worku contextualized this effort within Injibara University’s broader mission as a comprehensive institution engaged in teaching, research, and community service. He further added that the university currently offers 59 undergraduate, 55 master’s, and 5 doctoral programs across seven colleges and two schools, serving over 17,000 students. Its strategic focus includes four priority areas: Agriculture and Greenery; Public Health; Tourism and Enterprise Development; and Agaw Culture, Language, and History. It is within this fourth pillar, the president stated, that the university places particular emphasis on documenting, preserving, and promoting the Agaw community’s indigenous knowledge. Through the Agaw Studies Institute, the university conducts vital research, classification, archiving, awareness-raising, and technology transfer to safeguard both tangible and intangible heritage.
The successful workshop signals the readiness of the nomination dossier to proceed to the next stages of the international evaluation process.
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