Calendario de eventos de la vigésima reunión del Comité Intergubernamental

Living heritage and sustainability: the role of accredited NGOs in advancing the UN Development Agenda after MONDIACULT 2025

ICH NGO Forum, Ministry of Culture of Spain & UNESCO

Roundtable

ICH NGO Forum room 

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Update on the development of FLAME, The European Centre for the Safeguarding of Living Heritage

“During this session, we will formally introduce FLAME’s mission, strategic objectives, and its role within the UNESCO network. Discover how FLAME aims to foster inclusive collaboration, strengthen expertise, and support the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage across Europe and beyond. The event offers an opportunity to engage and to explore avenues for future cooperation”

Department of Culture, Youth and Media of the Flemish Community, Belgium

Roundtable

Room 1 

Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage related to crafts in Arab countries

“The safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage related to craftsmanship in the Arab countries will be the focus of an experience-sharing and exchange session organised by UNESCO’s Regional Office for the Maghreb, in collaboration with ALECSO. This meeting will provide a strategic space for dialogue aimed at safeguarding, promoting and transmitting the region’s traditional artisanal knowledge and skills. Bringing together experts, institutions, artisans and cultural actors from across the Arab region and beyond, the event will highlight the central role of craftsmanship in fostering social cohesion, mutual respect and cultural diversity, while also addressing current challenges such as the disappearance of certain practices, the modernisation of techniques, and the economic integration of artisans.It will furthermore offer a platform to strengthen regional cooperation, develop safeguarding programmes and promote a sustainable approach that ensures the continuity of these living traditions for future generations.”

UNESCO and ALECSO

Roundtable

Bureau meeting room

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Script and Manuscripts

“The event aims to highlight Gyan Bharatam a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Culture (MoC), Government of India, which envisions unearthing, safeguarding, and preserving India’s vast manuscript heritage. Rooted in the spirit of cultural continuity, the initiative provides a national platform for the survey, conservation, digitization, transliteration, and dissemination of Indic manuscripts that embody India’s civilizational wisdom. The event seeks to bring together scholars, conservators, cultural institutions, and policymakers to discuss strategies for strengthening manuscript heritage management, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. By fostering collaborations across universities, monasteries, and research centers, it aims to promote innovative practices in preservation and accessibility. Ultimately, the program endeavors to ensure that India’s manuscript wealth continues to inspire and inform future generations through the integration of traditional knowledge with modern technology.”

Gyan Bharatam, Ministry of Culture, India

Panel discussion

Room 2

Transforming education with living heritage

“This side event, co-hosted by UNESCO and the Culture and Tourism Department – Abu Dhabi, highlights how UNESCO, the States Parties of the 2003 Convention, education institutions, schools, NGOs and communities are working together to bring the UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education to life by mobilizing living heritage as a driver for transforming learning. Building on the 20.COM launch of UNESCO’s online course Transforming learning with living heritage and on the International Forum Cultural Heritage and Knowledge Development held in Abu Dhabi in May 2025, the event will show how integrating living heritage into education strengthens safeguarding, enhances relevance and inclusion, and contributes to SDG 4. Through a lively moderated exchange, speakers will illustrate how living heritage is reshaping educational practices and inspiring the implementation of the Framework across regions. Participants will be invited to explore the online course and adopt innovative safeguarding approaches in their own contexts.”

UNESCO, United Arab Emirates

Roundtable

Bureau meeting room / Join online (Zoom)

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Heritage Craft: Celebrating 10 Years of the Red List of Endangered Crafts

“Join Heritage Crafts to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Red List of Endangered Crafts. This innovative, decade-long initiative systematically identifies and assesses the viability of traditional UK craft skills facing extinction, using data to inform policy and target safeguarding interventions. The session will share key successes, critical lessons, and the necessity of this data-driven approach. It will provide government representatives and NGOs with a clear framework and practical advice for establishing similar best-practice safeguarding initiatives internationally.”

Department for Culture, Media, and Sport and Heritage Crafts Association, United Kingdom

Roundtable

Room 1 

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“Héritage en partage”: Documenting the Living Heritage of dance in Haiti

“Following an inventory of traditional dances conducted across seven geographical departments of Haiti between 2022 and 2023, the Haitian Institute for Heritage & Tourism is producing this 45-minute ethnographic film. In light of the imminent risk of their gradual disappearance and the challenges linked to their transmission, the film sets out the historical context of the arrival and continual intermixing of European and African cultures in the Caribbean region.”

Haitian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO

Commented film screening

Room 2

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Two 30-minute presentations

Room 4

- “Ever Present”: (In)visibility of Women in Oral Cultural Heritage, Myths, Legends, Folk Tales / Women and Democracy Foundation (KADEM) accredited NGO – Türkiye

- (TBC)

New inscription celebrations – Three 20-minute presentations (after examination)

Performance area

- (TBC)

- (TBC)

- (TBC)

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Annual Forum of the UNESCO/UNITWIN Chairs “Democratizing Intangible Cultural Heritage”

“At the 20th Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the UNESCO Chairs on ICH will convene a hybrid annual forum of discussion open to external experts and participants. The event inaugurates a recurring platform for scholarly dialogue, critical reflection, and the development of research partnerships across the network of UNESCO Chairs. This side event has a twofold objective: to provide a structured recurrent space for UNESCO Chairs to meet, share research results and set forthcoming objectives, and to engage in a rotating cross-cutting theme that welcomes contributions from all attendees. This year’s theme is “Democratizing ICH”. The event will entail a first moment where Chairholders will briefly introduce their institutions and present concise highlights of ongoing projects. Secondly, a moderated debate explores the year’s theme, “Democratizing ICH”, introduced by Prof. Hanna Schreiber. Both in-person and online participants will be able to intervene, ensuring broad, inclusive participation.”

Group of UNESCO Chairs

Bureau meeting room / Zoom

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HeritageAlive journal launch “Basketry Sharing Experiences from the Field” 

“In cooperation with ICHCAP the working group HeritageAlive will be launching their new edition. This edition is titled, Basketry – Sharing experiences from the field. The publication is a collection of articles that reflect NGOs’ involvement and the experiences of individuals in ongoing projects related to basketry. The publication promotes best practices of safeguarding the traditional knowledge and skills involving the use of a variety of materials such as plant, tree components for the braiding process, and more generally the development of by-products as part of the basketry. Rather than solely presenting basketry as an ICH element, the articles reflect the challenges, methodologies, and experiences in safeguarding and transmitting the ICH. The launch will include a lively exhibition with some demonstrations on basketry practices.”

ICH NGO Forum ; International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (C2C) – Republic of Korea Book launch

ICH NGO Forum room / Zoom

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Communities at the Crossroads of Maritime Cultural Heritage within the Indian Ocean Region

“The panel discussion on Project Mausam highlights the pivotal role of communities as custodians of maritime connectivity and heritage. It underscores their contributions as a bridge between the tangible and intangible dimensions of culture. For Project Mausam, which aims to explore and interpret maritime linkages across the Indian Ocean region through geographic and temporal perspectives, recognising the role of these communities is essential. They are the bearers and transmitters of cultural memory who have sustained connections across the region for centuries. Communities are also central to the project’s cross-conventional approach, which integrates diverse heritage domains for comprehensive identification, documentation and sustainable management. The discussion seeks to explore synergies between UNESCO’s Cultural Conventions (1972 and 2003), aligning with global efforts to advance a community-centred and sustainability-oriented framework. By foregrounding Indian Ocean communities as both inheritors and creators of heritage, the discussion seeks to redefine the lens through which maritime cultural linkages are understood.”

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Panel discussion

Room 1 / join on Zoom

Certificate ceremony

UNESCO

Coconut stage 

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Economic dimensions of living heritage safeguarding: community-centred engagement to address over-commercialization, decontextualization, misappropriation, misrepresentation, and dispossession (Part I)

Structured in two parts, this event convenes experts, community representatives, policymakers, and non-governmental organizations to advance global discussions on the economic dimensions of safeguarding living heritage. Part I (Wednesday 10 December) will present case studies from communities worldwide, highlighting recurrent challenges linked to unwanted third-party economic uses of living heritage. It will also explore synergies with other international instruments to inspire more coherent policy responses and institutional mechanisms. Part II (Thursday 11 December) will draw transferable lessons from practice by spotlighting experiences and initiatives that strengthen community agency and promote a fair sharing of economic benefits. It will further identify areas requiring adaptation to ensure that economic engagement remains aligned with the spirit of the 2003 Convention and contribute to positive safeguarding outcomes.

UNESCO, Brazil, Colombia, Morocco and Nigeria

Panel discussion

Bureau meeting room / Zoom

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The “UNESCO Heritage Route” in Tunisia: heritage as a pathway to development

“A conference for the presentation of the project “UNESCO Heritage Route,” which highlights the elements of intangible cultural heritage inscribed by Tunisia, in their interaction with World Heritage sites, thereby promoting a cultural, educational, and sustainable approach to tourism. This tool was developed as part of a programme supporting the diversification of tourism, the development of value chains in crafts and design, and the enhancement of cultural heritage in Tunisia. By showcasing elements of Tunisian intangible heritage- such as couscous, the knowledge, practices, and social expressions surrounding its preparation; the pottery of the women of Sejnane; and the craftsmanship of Arabic calligraphy – this Route helps promote a unique tourism experience and contributes to strengthening the link between living culture and sustainable tourism.”

Ministry of culture Tunisia

Conference

Room 1

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New inscription celebrations – Three 20-minute presentations (after examination)

Performance area

- The Revival of the Sacred Voice: Kobyz and the Jirau Epic Tradition of Karakalpakstan (Uzbekistan)

- Koshary, daily life dish and practices associated with it (Egypt)

- (TBC) 

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Two 30-minute presentations

Room ICH NGO Forum

- Rumi and Konya International Mevlana Foundation accredited NGO – Türkiye

“Our event is planned in the form of a cultural presentation on the theme of Hz. Mevlâna Celâleddin-i Rumi and Konya, in which we would like to introduce Rumi in a historical context and highlight with specific examples his teachings of love, tolerance and peace, which comprise the basis of his work. Our presentation will also draw attention to the significance of the city of Konya as the cultural and philosophical centre of the Mevlevi tradition. In addition to providing an introduction to the cultural heritage of the Mevlevi tradition, it is our wish to highlight the ways in which Rumi’s teaching can contribute to world peace and mutual understanding among nations.”

- Bal tamoul, from farming traditions of southern India to a cultural creation on Réunion Island Ankraké accredited NGO – France

“After the abolition of slavery in 1848, Réunion Island welcomed many indentured workers from South India. From this encounter emerged Bal tamoul, a popular theatre tradition drawing inspiration from Terukkuttu and major Indian epics such as the Mahābhārata. Combining song, dance, music, mime and staged combat, this dynamic form of expression has adapted over time while preserving its deep cultural significance. Inscribed on France’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022, Bal tamoul remains a living practice that continues to unite communities. The side event will introduce the history of Bal tamoul and the objects associated with its performance, including masks, headdresses, costumes and musical instruments. It will conclude with a short performance presenting an extract from a well-known story exploring themes of love across social boundaries.”

Event organized by the Host Country (India)

Live performance and reception

Red Fort

Certificate ceremony

UNESCO

Coconut stage

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Economic dimensions of living heritage safeguarding: from principles to practice (Part II)

Structured in two parts, this event convenes experts, community representatives, policymakers, and non-governmental organizations to advance global discussions on the economic dimensions of safeguarding living heritage. Part I (Wednesday 10 December) will present case studies from communities worldwide, highlighting recurrent challenges linked to unwanted third-party economic uses of living heritage. It will also explore synergies with other international instruments to inspire more coherent policy responses and institutional mechanisms. Part II (Thursday 11 December) will draw transferable lessons from practice by spotlighting experiences and initiatives that strengthen community agency and promote a fair sharing of economic benefits. It will further identify areas requiring adaptation to ensure that economic engagement remains aligned with the spirit of the 2003 Convention and contribute to positive safeguarding outcomes

UNESCO

Panel discussion

Bureau meeting room / Zoom

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Exploring tangible-intangible synergies: The Role of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Safeguarding Cultural Landscapes in the Asia-Pacific Region

“This session explores the dynamic interplay between tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the safeguarding of cultural landscapes, including World Heritage sites in the Asia-Pacific region. Drawing on recent case studies, we will examine how intangible cultural heritage including a wide range of knowledge and practices, together with community engagement contribute to the sustainable management of heritage. The discussion will highlight how intangible cultural heritage gives the meaning of physical landscapes and enhances its sustainability. By showcasing regional examples, the session aims to deepen understanding of integrated approaches to heritage safeguarding and promote dialogue on how such synergies can support inclusive development and intergenerational learning.”

International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (C2C) –  Japan

Roundtable

Room 1 / Zoom 

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New inscription celebrations – Three 20-minute presentations (after examination)

Performance area

- The Barbados Landship: Navigating Heritage, Identity, and Safeguarding (Barbados)

- (TBC)

- (TBC)

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Faces and Figures of Tradition: the Art of Indian Masks and Puppetry

“This lecture-demonstration offers an immersive journey into India’s diverse mask and puppetry traditions, exploring their cultural, spiritual, and artistic significance. Participants will discover how masks and puppets serve as powerful mediums of expression in rituals, folk performances, and classical theatre. From the vibrant Chhau masks of Bengal and Thol Pavakoothu of Kerala to the sacred Theyyam visages of Kerala, and String Puppetry of Rajasthan each tradition reflects unique regional identities and storytelling practices. The session will combine scholarly insights with live demonstrations, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and symbolic meanings behind these masks and puppets. Designed to foster appreciation for India’s intangible heritage, the programme emphasizes the role of masks and puppets in bridging myth and reality while highlighting efforts to preserve these traditions in contemporary contexts.”

Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts and the Sangeet Natak Akademy, India

Lecture and demonstration

Room 2

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Two 30-minute presentations

Room ICH NGO Forum

- “Masters of Türkiye” and “Living Heritage” Inventory Projects / Traditional Arts Association - Geleneksel Sanatlar Derneği accredited NGO – Türkiye

“One of the Traditional Arts Association’s (GSD) most significant initiatives is the “Masters of Türkiye” project, launched in 2010. The project aims to inventory Türkiye’s artisans, institutions, workshops, and organizations engaged in the practice and transmission of traditional arts and crafts. On the other hand, GSD launched the “Living Heritage” project in 2024, aiming to inventory and document the living heritage elements that form part of our identity and continuity. As an accredited NGO since 2018, we aim to share our knowledge and experience in community-based inventorying through this impactful and significant project.”

- Presentation of Kyrgyz Living Heritage through a Digital Database and Live Performance of a Traditional Wedding Ritual Aigine Cultural Research Center accredited NGO – Kyrgyzstan

“This side event will present “Digital Journey into the World of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Kyrgyzstan” — a recently completed UNESCO-supported project that created the country’s first national digital ICH platform. The event will combine a live performance of the traditional Kyrgyz wedding ritual “Bash Baloo”, accompanied by komuz music and traditional songs, illustrating how living heritage continues to inspire new safeguarding approaches. Through an engaging presentation of the digital platform, participants will discover how communities, researchers, and young people can now explore Kyrgyz culture in a new interactive way — learning about hundreds of traditions, rituals, crafts, and songs, while also finding inspiration and a foundation for future studies and creative initiatives. The session brings together modern technology and living performance, showing how digital tools can connect generations, give a stronger voice to local communities, and help safeguard intangible cultural heritage in an inclusive and sustainable way.”

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Two 30-minute presentations

Room 3

- Living Heritage, Climate Change and Development: An Indian perspective / ICOMOS - India

- Cultural Heritage Tourism and Living Heritage / ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Tourism and Contact Base accredited NGO - India

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Two 30-minute presentations

Room 4

- forthcoming

- forthcoming

New inscription celebrations – Three 20-minute presentations (after examination)

Performance area

- Amateur theatre acting in Czechia (Czech Republic)

- Yodeling Workshop – Experience and discover a Living Vocal Tradition (Switzerland)

- (TBC) 

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Nowruz: Capacity Building, Joint Safeguarding and Cooperation among State Parties

Roundtable and food demonstration

Room 1

“Organised at the initiative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, this multinational consultation meeting brings together representatives of the thirteen State Parties to the multinational element Nowruz, inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The meeting provides a platform for consultation, coordination, and synergy among the participating States Parties to discuss ongoing and planned safeguarding programmes, share good practices, and identify joint actions for the promotion and transmission of Nowruz as a shared living heritage. Participants will also explore opportunities for expanding cooperation and community-based initiatives through cultural networks involving States Parties, NGOs, and local communities. The meeting will be convened by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Iran, in collaboration with the ICH Centre in Tehran and the “Mana Naqsh Heritage Institute for Culture and Art” (UNESCO-accredited NGO).”

Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts in Iran, Regional Research Centre for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in West and Central Asia, Under the Auspices of UNESCO (C2C), Mana Naqsh Heritage Institute for Culture and Art accredited NGO – Iran

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Living Heritage in Displacement – Good Practices and Regional Cooperation

“The side event focuses on the role of living heritage as a source of resilience for communities facing crises and displacement, with particular attention to the ongoing war in Ukraine and its impact on communities across Europe. Despite the challenges, many inspiring initiatives in Ukraine demonstrate how living heritage and education contribute to social cohesion, healing, and recovery. Participants will present the results of projects supported by the ICH Fund conducted 2023 - 2025 with displaced communities from Ukraine in Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia, as well as the activities aimed at safeguarding and transmitting ICH in Ukraine. The overarching goal is to create safe and supportive environments—both in Ukraine and in displacement—where living heritage can sustain identities, strengthen community ties, and foster resilience in times of crisis.”

Ministry of Culture, Slovak Republic; Institute of Ethnology and Social Anthropology ; Ethnographic Society of Slovakia

Round table

Room 2 / Zoom

Certificate ceremony

UNESCO

Coconut stage

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Book launch ‘Connecting Living Heritage, Cultural Rights and Sustainable Development from Latin America’

“This book is the official record of the forum “Connecting Living Heritage, Cultural Rights and Sustainable Development from Latin America,” held in Lima, Peru, in 2024. Jointly organized by the Regional Center for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Latin America (CRESPIAL) and the UNESCO Office in Peru, the event was a milestone in regional dialogue. This launch aims to share the forum’s outcomes and reflections with participants and the public, ensuring their visibility. The publication’s core objective is to promote the strategic integration of living heritage, cultural rights, and sustainable development. It frames living heritage not just as a cultural asset, but as an essential force for tackling structural challenges like inequality and exclusion. The text underscores the urgency of public policies based on human rights, making this integration a fundamental pillar for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future in Latin America.”

Regional Center for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Latin America under the auspices of UNESCO (C2C) – Peru

Roundtable

Room 1

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New inscription celebrations – Three 20-minute presentations (after examination)

Performance area

- The Soul of the Steppe: The Living Heritage of the Karakalpak Yurt (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan)

- Guruna, a practice of pastoral, socio-cultural and artistic retreats centered on livestock among the Massa (Chad, Cameroon)

- Family tradition circus in Chile (Chile)

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Sharing Session: Global Perspectives on Safeguarding and Sustainability of Intangible Cultural Heritage And launch of the book ‘Malaysia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Plan (2026–2030)’

“This sharing session will showcase experts in Intangible Cultural Heritage from IGCICH Member States (Category IV). They will share their experiences in safeguarding ICH in their regions through a roundtable discussion. The facilitator will guide the session using a Q&A format. The session will conclude with the launch of the book titled “Malaysia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Plan (2026–2030).” The book serves as a strategic framework designed to safeguard and promote Malaysia’s rich traditions and cultural heritage. It reflects the aspirations of all Malaysians, providing a structure to protect and celebrate our diverse intangible cultural heritage for future generations.”

Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, Department of National Heritage

Rountable and book launch

Room 2

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Natyashastra – Synthesis of Theory and Praxis

“This round table convenes scholars to explore the Natyashastra as a living tradition -- bridging its theoretical foundations with embodied practice. It exemplifies yoga between inner realization and outer expression, where theory is refined through practice, and practice is elevated by theory. Rooted in Bharata’s seminal treatise, the dialogue aims to illuminate how dramaturgical principles of rasa, abhinaya, bhava, and dharmi etc., inform contemporary performance, pedagogy, and cultural interpretation. By fostering an academic exchange, this round table seeks to revitalize classical insights within modern contexts, from stagecraft and aesthetics to ritual and education. The round table also addresses challenges in translating shastric frameworks into curatorial and performative idioms, encouraging nuanced engagement with textual authority and creative freedom. Thus, the Natyashastra remains a living bridge between sacred knowledge and embodied art, shaping Indian aesthetics across centuries.”

Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts and the Sangeet Natak Akademy, India

Roundtable

Room 3

New inscription celebrations – Three 20-minute presentations (after examination)

Performance area

- (TBC)

- (TBC)

- (TBC) 

Annual Symposium 2025: ‘Leaving No-one Behind: Intangible Cultural Heritage and Disability Inclusion’ 

“In a world marked by growing polarisation and uncertainty, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) has the power to connect people through shared practices, knowledge, and expressions transmitted across generations. Building on last year’s symposium on participatory approaches, the 2025 ICH NGO Forum Symposium focuses on inclusivity, with a particular emphasis on disability inclusion. Drawing inspiration from the 2018 UN Disability Inclusion Strategy and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the symposium explores how persons with disabilities engage with, contribute to, and benefit from living heritage. It aims to identify barriers to full participation while showcasing good practices that promote accessibility, creativity, and community engagement. By fostering dialogue among NGOs, practitioners, and policymakers, the event highlights how safeguarding living heritage can advance human rights, equity, and social cohesion—ensuring that no one is left behind.”

ICH NGO Forum

Room ICH NGO Forum / Join online (Zoom)

Meeting with the Global network of facilitators

This Dialogue Session brings together members of UNESCO’s Global Facilitators’ Network during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee (20.COM) in New Delhi. The event provides a dedicated space for facilitators to reflect on progress made during the 2022–2025 quadrennium in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, particularly under Funding Priority 1 on capacity building and Funding Priority 2 on living heritage and education.

The session also introduces the future directions for the next quadrennium (2026–2029), emphasizing inclusive capacity-building, community empowerment and context-specific safeguarding approaches. A key focus is the evolving role of the facilitators’ network, including new opportunities for peer learning, advisory services and digital, multi-modal training. The event encourages open dialogue, with special attention to inclusion and accessibility, ensuring diverse perspectives that inform future directions of the Convention’s capacity-building programme.

UNESCO

Room 1 

Apthapi: Sharing Living Heritage across Latin America and the Caribbean

Group of NGOs from the LAC Region

Roundtable

Room ICH NGO Forum / Zoom

Booth: The many faces of safeguarding living heritage: NGOs contribution to the implementation of the 2003 Convention

ICH NGO Forum

Exhibition area 

Indonesian UNESCO accredited NGO’s exhibition corner

Stuppa Indonesia Foundation, Oral Tradition Association, Toraja Melo Foundation accredited NGOs – Indonesia

Exhibition area 

Booth: Bedouin Looms in Refugee Hands: Craft, Resilience, and Collaboration

AlSadu Society (Handicraft Cooperative Society for Sadu Weaving) accredited NGO - State of Kuwait

Exhibition area 

UNESCO accredited NGO in Republic of Korea - exhibition corner

- Promoting Martial Arts as Living Heritage - World Martial Arts Union (WoMAU) accredited NGO – Republic of Korea

- Promotional Desk for the Jeonju International Awards for Promoting Intangible Cultural Heritage (JIAPICH) - Center for Intangible Culture Studies (CICS) & International Mask Arts & Culture Organization (IMACO) accredited NGOs - Republic of Korea

- Introduction to the book “Korean Tightrope Walking, an Intangible Cultural Heritage” - Korea Heritage Agency – Republic of Korea Exhibition area

Exhibition area 

Digital exhibition “Interwoven Legacies: Synergies between World Heritage and Living Heritage in India”

UNESCO

Exhibition area

Threads Across Borders: A Sarong Dialogue, Exploring Collaborative Pathways for Multinational Nomination

“Threads Across Borders: A Sarong Dialogue is a casual side event held during the lunch break of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This informal gathering brings together cultural stakeholders from different regions to explore the shared heritage of the sarong—a textile tradition deeply rooted in diverse communities across continents. The event aims to initiate conversations around the possibility of a multinational nomination, highlighting the sarong’s cultural significance, adaptability, and transnational presence. Through light dialogue and exchange of perspectives, participants will identify common threads, discuss collaborative approaches, and build momentum toward joint recognition under UNESCO’s ICH framework. This session serves as an open space to connect, reflect, and envision a shared future for safeguarding the sarong as a living tradition.”

Ministry of Culture of Indonesia

Discussion

Room 2

Bisht (Men’s Abaa): Skills and Practises, the First Multi-national Nomination led by the State of Qatar (after examination)

Ministry of Culture - Qatar (State of)

Permanent booth

Exhibition area

Ayeneh-Kari, the art of mirror-work in Persian architecture (after examination)

Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Iran and Mana Naqsh Heritage Institute for Culture and Art accredited NGO – Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Permanent booth

Exhibition area

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Dong Ho Painting Performance – Vietnam’s Living Cultural Heritage (after inscription)

Viet Nam National Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam

Permanent booth

Exhibition area

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Traditional knowledge and skills in making Kyrgyz, Kazakh and Karakalpak yurts (Turkic nomadic dwellings) in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

National Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan for UNESCO

Yurt

Outdoor (near Plenary)

Kathak Dance

“Kathak is one of the eight classical dance forms of India, known for its graceful movements, intricate footwork, and expressive storytelling. Originating in northern India, the word Kathak comes from katha, meaning “story,” and kathakar, meaning “storyteller.” Traditionally, Kathak dancers narrated stories from Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana through rhythmic gestures, spins (chakkars), and facial expressions. Over time, the dance evolved under both Hindu and Mughal influences, blending devotional themes with courtly elegance. Accompanied by classical music and the rhythmic beats of the tabla and pakhawaj, Kathak beautifully combines narrative expression with technical precision and dynamic rhythm.”

ICCN and Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture accredited NGOs – India

Performance area (C)

Zapin Malaysia: A Timeless Rhythm of Faith and Grace

“Zapin Malaysia is one of the most enduring forms of Malay traditional performing arts. It originated from Arab-Persian influences and was later adapted within the Malay cultural context, developing into an expression of spiritual devotion, social interaction, and artistic discipline. Zapin is known for its rhythmic footwork, graceful gestures, and melodic accompaniment. It reflects core Malay values such as adab (refinement), iman (faith), and ukhwah (unity). Beyond entertainment, each performance is a way to pass down cultural knowledge, connecting art, spirituality, and community identity. Today, Zapin continues to thrive as a vital Intangible Cultural Heritage in Malaysia, recognized for preserving traditional aesthetics while embracing contemporary creativity. Its enduring practice demonstrates the resilience of Malay performing arts in a changing world, bridging past traditions with present and future generations.”

Malaysian Craft Council

Performance area (C)