The Chomolungma UNESCO Centre (CUC)

by Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Chomolungma UNESCO Centre (CUC) is a non-profit, non-governmental, independent social organization based on the high ideals of UNESCO. Although CUC started its operations in 1990, it was formally registered only in 1993 with a recommendation from Nepal National Commission for UNESCO, Ministry of Education, Government of Nepal. CUC is affiliated to Social Welfare Council, Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, Government of Nepal and National Federation of UNESCO. From its establishment, CUC has been working in the fields of art, cultural heritage, environment, HIV awareness, human rights and youth empowerment.

Mission of the Chomolungma UNESCO Centre (CUC): We work together to promote a Culture of Peace.

CUC has been around since 1990, and it recently had a complete makeover. Since then, CUC has been constantly interacting with individuals keen to promote a global Culture of Peace through artistic medium. CUC expresses their concerns through artistic media - mainly photography, art, illustration and creative writing.

On the occasion of World Photography Day 2009 the Chomolungma UNESCO Centre (CUC) opened Galleria CUC, a photography and visual arts gallery at Momo magic Pulchowk. Acting as a platform for aspiring photographers, the Galleria CUC encourages new talents to take photography as an effective means of expression and art. Galleria CUC, which opened with a thematic collection of photographs by various artists, hosts exhibitions periodically as well as showcasing its own collection the rest of the time. The exhibits work on 'cycles' to denote each series that typically last from about three weeks to a month. The themes of the cycle are selected and pre-published by Galleria CUC on their website and other social networks. Inaugurated by Professor Dr Abhi Subedi, the exhibition entitled 'The Beginning' displayed works by young practicing photographers from around Kathmandu.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka On behalf of The Chomolungma UNESCO Centre (CUC)