UNESCO treats “intangible cultural heritage” as living heritage that communities recognise as part of their identity, such as:
- Practices and traditions
- Knowledge systems and skills
- Expressions and cultural spaces
- Tools/objects that are linked to these traditions and practices
2003 UNESCO Convention: Core Purpose
The Convention is meant to:
- Safeguard intangible cultural heritage
- Ensure respect for the heritage of communities and groups concerned
- Build awareness about its importance at local, national and international levels
- Enable international cooperation and assistance for safeguarding
Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Intergovernmental Committee is a UNESCO body created under the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). Its role is to drive implementation of the Convention by guiding States Parties, reviewing proposals, and supporting safeguarding efforts globally.
The Committee works as the main operational mechanism of the Convention. It typically:
- Promotes and tracks implementation of the Convention across countries
- Issues guidance on best practices and recommends safeguarding measures
- Prepares and submits a draft plan for use of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund
- Mobilises additional resources for the Fund as per Convention provisions
- Drafts and proposes Operational Directives for implementation
- Reviews periodic reports submitted by States Parties and prepares summaries for the General Assembly
- Examines requests from States Parties and takes decisions on:
- Inscription of elements on UNESCO’s ICH Lists
- International assistance under the Convention
- Recognition of safeguarding approaches/programmes as per Convention mechanisms
Membership and Tenure
- The Committee has 24 members
- Members are elected for 4-year terms
- Elections are held every 2 years during the General Assembly of States Parties (to replace a portion of members periodically)
Conclusion
The Committee is the Convention’s key implementation engine: it shapes safeguarding standards, manages international support mechanisms, and decides which cultural elements and programmes receive global recognition, helping countries protect “living heritage” in a structured, cooperative way.
