Global events

Throughout the year, UNESCO plans several meetings and events to take stock of the impacts made by the 2003 Convention over the past two decades, further raise awareness on the importance of living heritage safeguarding, and reflect on the future directions of the Convention. The eighteenth session of the Committee, which will take place from 4 to 9 December 2023 in the Republic of Botswana will provide an ideal context to conclude the anniversary year, taking advantage of the presence of the main stakeholders of the 2003 Convention. More information will soon be shared regarding these upcoming initiatives.

Jiyeon Gwangdae’s dance at the Yechoen Cheongdan Noreum. Four Jiyeon Gwangdaes, wearing masks made from winnows, symbolize the four directions (NSEW) and four seasons. Read more on the element
© International Mask Arts and Culture Organization (IMACO), Republic of Korea, 2019

Celebration of 20th anniversary of the 2003 Convention in Seoul

From 25 to 26 July 2023, the Republic of Korea will host a Global Meeting for the 20th Anniversary of the 2003 Convention. Under the theme “Unleashing the power of living heritage for sustainable development and peace”, the Meeting in Seoul will celebrate achievements of twenty years of implementing the Convention and outline a vision for its future direction. Four thematic panels explore living heritage in relation to (1) sustainable livelihoods, (2) the natural world, (3) quality education and (4) the digital environment. Leading international thinkers, policy makers, civil society, experts, and community representatives will engage in this visionary discussion, which will be live streamed for the larger public.

The event is hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (MOFA) and the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea (CHA) in collaboration with UNESCO, the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (ICHCAP) and the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation (CHF).