Illia Fetysov is a researcher specializing in intangible cultural heritage (ICH). He has led the ‘Bozhychi’ Folk Ensemble since 1999 and founded the ‘School of Traditional Folk Dances’ in 2005. He graduated from the Department of Folklore of the P. Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine with specialization in musicology.

He has been a member of the Global Network of Facilitators since 2011. He served as Chairman of the Expert Council on Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine (2017–2021) and its Deputy Chairman (2013–2016). He has experience in drafting successful nominations for the lists under the 2003 Convention.