Events of EFUCA
Two New Honorary Members of the Romanian UNESCO Community: Alexandru Mironov and Professor Ioan Opriș
“Romania in UNESCO – 70 Years” Anniversary Event, held in Târgoviște as part of the 59th Golden Chrysanthemum National Festival of Romanian Romance – 2026
Târgoviște, 24 October 2026 – The Romanian Federation of Associations and Clubs for UNESCO (FRACU) celebrated two distinguished figures of Romanian cultural life, Alexandru Mironov and Professor Ioan Opriș, at the “Casa Romanței” Museum in Târgoviște, awarding them the title of Honorary Members of the Federation in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the promotion of culture, education, science, cultural heritage and UNESCO values.
The event, held under the theme “Romania in UNESCO – 70 Years”, was organised in association with the “Golden Chrysanthemum” Festival, in a venue of particular significance for the promotion and preservation of Romania’s cultural heritage – the “Casa Romanței” Museum. Unique in Romania, the museum was founded in 2017 by Teodor Vasiliu and Andrei Vasiliu. Through its national and international events organised in collaboration with FRACU and ENAFCAU, it has become a true ambassador of Romanian culture.
The event was moderated by Ms Alina Mavrodin Vasiliu, President of FRACU, while the Laudatio honouring the two distinguished personalities was delivered by Ms Daniela Popescu, Secretary General of FRACU, who highlighted their professional achievements, individual contributions and enduring commitment to cultural values and UNESCO ideals.
The event was honoured by the presence of Her Excellency Ms Simona-Mirela Miculescu, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Romania to UNESCO, whose participation brought particular significance to this gathering dedicated to the 70th anniversary of Romania’s membership in UNESCO.
Among the distinguished guests were also members of the Festival’s two juries – the Interpretation Jury and the Creation Jury – Ms Monica Babuc, former Minister of Culture of the Republic of Moldova and Director of the Romanian Cultural Institute in Chișinău, Ms Svetlana Bivol, President of the Union of Musicians of the Republic of Moldova, renowned Romanian romance singers from Romania and abroad, as well as representatives of five organisations belonging to the Romanian Federation of Associations and Clubs for UNESCO.
The two honorary distinctions recognise distinct professional careers united by a shared commitment to culture and knowledge. Alexandru Mironov was honoured for his work in promoting science, education and dialogue with younger generations, including through his former position as Secretary General of the Romanian National Commission for UNESCO (CNR UNESCO). Professor Ioan Opriș was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the research, protection and promotion of Romanian cultural heritage and to the development of museology.
A special highlight of the gathering was the participation of the Tatar Democratic Union, which offered guests the opportunity to discover and enjoy traditional culinary specialities representative of the gastronomic heritage of Romania’s Tatar minority. This contribution brought an additional note of authenticity and hospitality to the event, illustrating the richness of cultural diversity and dialogue among Romania’s ethnic communities.
The official presentation of the Honorary Diplomas took place during the Gala Evening of the “Golden Chrysanthemum” Festival, broadcast live by Romanian National Television (TVR), bringing this institutional recognition to the attention of a nationwide audience and giving it the visibility of a major national cultural event.
Through this initiative, FRACU continues to honour outstanding personalities whose lifelong work has contributed to the advancement of culture, education and heritage, as well as to the promotion of UNESCO values.
The “Romania in UNESCO – 70 Years” anniversary thus became not only an opportunity to reflect on seven decades of Romania’s membership in UNESCO, but also a moment of gratitude towards the people who have built, supported and passed on the values of Romanian culture to future generations.
