Safeguarding our living heritage

2003 Convention The Lists
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Seme community elder, Benjamin Outa, saying a traditional prayer at Kit Mikayi shrine
© Josphat Githua, Kenya, 2015
Seme community elder, Benjamin Outa, saying a traditional prayer at Kit Mikayi shrine

News

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Statutory meeting and activities

20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee
8/12/2025 - 13/12/2025
New Delhi (India)

10th session of the General Assembly
11/06/2024 - 12/06/2024
Paris (France)
Reflection on a broader implementation of Article 18 of the 2003 Convention

General Assemblies 10.GA (2024) 9.GA (2022) 8.GA (2020) 7.GA (2018) 6.GA (2016) 5.GA (2014) 4.GA (2012) 3.GA (2010) 2.GA (2008) 1.EXT.GA 1.GA (2006)

Committees 20.COM (2025) 19.COM (2024) 18.COM (2023) 17.COM (2022) 5.EXT.COM (2022) 16.COM (2021) 15.COM (2020) 14.COM (2019) 13.COM (2018) 12.COM (2017) 11.COM (2016) 10.COM (2015) 9.COM (2014) 8.COM (2013) 4.EXT.COM (2012) 7.COM (2012) 6.COM (2011) 5.COM (2010) 4.COM (2009) 3.COM (2008) 3.EXT.COM (2008) 2.EXT.COM (2008) 2.COM (2007) 1.EXT.COM (2007) 1.COM (2006)

We are Living Heritage

20th anniversary 2003-2023

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Events

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Sharing good safeguarding experiences

Find inspiration in numerous approaches and measures implemented by communities worldwide to address specific needs in safeguarding living heritage. The platform for sharing good safeguarding experiences currently under development aims to promote broader implementation of Article 18 of the 2003 Convention.

Access the platform

Themes & programmes

Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous peoples hold a rich diversity of living heritage, including practices, representations, expressions, knowledge and skills.

Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development

The notion of ‘sustainability’ in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development echoes the concept of ‘living heritage’ in the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Priority Africa

Priority Africa

Africa’s rich living heritage plays a fundamental role in building a strong cultural identity and shared values across the region.

Livelihoods

Livelihoods

Economic activities linked with the practice of living heritage can generate income for communities, groups and individuals.

Climate change

Climate change

Climate change is a largely irreversible and often destructive process inflicting damage on the cultural heritage.

Education

Education

Education plays a key role in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

Emergency situations

Emergency situations

Living heritage throughout the world is increasingly affected by emergencies, including conflicts and disasters caused by natural and human-induced hazards.

Capacity Building

Capacity Building

The Programme was put in place in 2009 to support countries in safeguarding their intangible cultural heritage and harness its potential for sustainable development, while promoting broad public knowledge and support for the Convention.

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