At its 35th session in October 2009, the UNESCO General Conference approved the establishment of four category 2 centres for intangible cultural heritage in Asia and the Pacific. These are:

• In China, the International Training Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia and the Pacific Region (see document 181 EX/17 Part V)
• In the Republic of Korea, the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia and the Pacific Region (see document 181 EX/17 Part V I)
• In Japan, the International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia and the Pacific Region (see document 181 EX/17 Part VII)
• In the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Regional Research Centre for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in West and Central Asia (see document 181 EX/20 Part VII)

This meeting brought together representatives of the future centres to exchange information on their recent and planned activities, and to discuss future collaboration.

Presentations

• Recent events in the life of the Convention: the third session of the General Assembly: English
• Road map for the establishment of a category 2 centre under the auspices of UNESCO: English
• Strengthening national capacities for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage: UNESCO’s strategy for 2010-2011 and beyond: English