Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Digital Age
University network for Intangible Cultural Heritage in South-East Europe & exhibition
The Regional Centre Sofia – UNESCO is convening the next meeting of the University Network for Intangible Cultural Heritage in South-East Europe on 17 October 2025, to be held both offline and online. The topic is dedicated to Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Digital Age. Established in 2018, the Network brings together representatives of universities and institutions of the South-East European region with the aim to strengthen cooperation in teaching, research, and the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) across the region.
The annual meetings serve as a platform for dialogue among universities in South-East Europe in view to explore opportunities for joint scientific projects and educational programs, and to share best practices in line with the 2003 UNESCO Convention.
The Regional Centre Sofia-UNESCO will present its new photo exhibition ‘The Living Crafts of Southeast Europe’, created with the support of cultural institutions and museums from 17 Member States. The rich cultural heritage and diversity of the region’s traditional crafts are presented through impressive visual materials. From artful pottery and weaving, to wood carving and willow basket weaving, each panel tells a story to be preserved and passed on. A total of 14 crafts are represented with the aim to reveal the deep links with the countries’ past and their role in social cohesion and the development of people’s creativity in the modern world
Programme
10:00 – 10:30 Opening remark
10:30 - 12:30 Emerging Technologies and AI in Teaching Intangible Cultural Heritage
Exploring the use of artificial intelligence in higher education for the preservation and teaching of ICH.
Lectures and moderated discussion with participants
12:30 -12:45 Break and networking
12:45 - 13:30 Global Perspectives: Shared Experience from Regional ICH University Networks
Panel session featuring invited speakers from other Category 2 Centres for ICH.
13:30 – 14:30 Break and networking
14:30 - 16:30 Next Steps of the network and Closing Session
Summary of the day, follow-up actions, and announcement of future events for collaboration.
