The Bureau,

1. Recalling Article 23 of the Convention, as well as Chapters I.4, I.7 and I.14 of the Operational Directives relating to International Assistance requests,
2. Having examined document LHE/26/21.COM 3.BUR/4 and the request for preparatory assistance no. 02600 submitted by Eswatini,
3. Takes note that Eswatini has requested International Assistance in the amount of US$10,000 to prepare a nomination for Raising a child according to the traditions and customs of emaSwati to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding:

To be implemented by the Eswatini National Trust Commission, this preparatory assistance request aims to support the nomination of Raising a child according to the traditions and customs of emaSwati to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. The element concerns the indigenous knowledge, skills, customary practices, rites of passage, moral instruction, and socialization processes through which boys and girls are raised within the cultural framework of emaSwati. It encompasses the intergenerational transmission of the emaSwati values, language, clan responsibilities, gender roles, respect for elders, communal solidarity, traditional education in homesteads, and participation in age-specific cultural activities. The element is transmitted orally and through hands-on practice by elders, regiments, caregivers and traditional leaders. However, rapid urbanization, changing family structures, migration, formal education pressures, and globalization have significantly weakened related transmission mechanisms. The need to request preparatory assistance was identified during the implementation of an ongoing extra-budgetary project^[1], aiming to safeguarding the rich diversity of living heritage in Africa, with a focus on countries that, at the time of the preparation of the project had no elements inscribed on the Lists of the Convention.

4. Decides that, from the information provided in file no. 02600, the request responds as follows to the criteria for granting International Assistance given in paragraphs 10 and 12 of the Operational Directives:

Criterion A.1: The request clearly indicates that the members of emaSwati communities, will be broadly involved in the preparation of the nomination file. The request underlines the importance of engaging all social groups in the preparation of the nomination file, including traditional leaders, elders, customary instructors, women, men and youth. Communities will participate in consultation workshops, awareness-raising activities, and documentation activities. The request also includes consultation sessions with the community members to obtain their free, prior and informed consent on the nomination file for the element and for the development of the proposed safeguarding measures.

Criterion A.2: The amount requested by the State Party seems appropriate in relation to the proposed activities for the preparation of the nomination file to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

Criterion A.3: The preparatory assistance will support the following main activities: (a) holding consultation workshops in the four administrative regions of the country with the communities concerned by the nomination process; (b) purchasing necessary equipment; (c) updating the corresponding inventory and documentation; (d) elaborating the nomination materials; and (e) conducting education and awareness-raising activities.

Criterion A.4: The requesting State Party is committed to submitting a nomination for the possible inscription of the element on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. The submission is expected before 31 March 2027 for possible inscription by the Committee at its twenty-third session, provided that the nomination can be included in the 2028 cycle, in application of the annual ceiling for the number of nominations and the priority system in force at the time of the submission.

Criterion A.5: The requesting State Party will contribute 18 per cent (US$2,634) and other partners will contribute 12 per cent (US$1,648) of the total amount of the project for preparatory assistance (US$14,282). Consequently, International Assistance is requested from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund for the remaining 70 per cent of the total amount of the project.

Criterion A.6: Through the request, the State Party seeks to encourage the communities concerned to continue the transmission of the knowledge and skills related to this element, thus contributing to enhancing its viability. The project will also contribute to raising awareness of intangible cultural heritage through media campaigns, radio programmes and social media to strengthen the intergenerational transmission of the practice.

Criterion A.7: The requesting State Party has benefitted from International Assistance from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund for one completed project.^[2] The work stipulated in the contract related to this project was carried out in accordance with UNESCO regulations.

5. Approves the request for preparatory assistance from Eswatini for the preparation of the nomination for Raising a child according to the traditions and customs of emaSwati in view of its submission for possible inscription on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, and grants the amount of US$10,000 to the requesting State Party to this end;
6. Commends the State Party on the submission of a preparatory assistance request that builds on the needs identified during the implementation of an ongoing extra-budgetary project;
7. Requests that the Secretariat reach an agreement with the requesting State Party on the technical details of the assistance, paying particular attention to ensuring that the budget and the work plan of the activities to be covered by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund are detailed and specific enough to provide a sufficient justification of all the expenditures;
8. Invites the requesting State Party to use Form ICH-05-Report to report on the use of the assistance granted.