Safeguarding our living heritage
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A Malay hawker prepares satay (seasoned and skewered meat grilled over hot charcoal)
© Mohamad Hafiz, contestant of #OurHawkerCulture photography contest 2019, Singapore, 2019
News
Caribbean Small Island Developing States exchange experiences on preparing nominations
13 June 2025 – Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Curaçao, Aruba, Bahamas, ...Some 62 participants from 16 Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS), countries and territories - Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica
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Seven new International Assistance projects supported by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund
11 June 2025 – Benin, Burkina Faso, Gambia, State of Palestine, Saint Lucia, ...The third meeting of the Bureau of the twentieth session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible
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UNESCO and the Republic of Korea establish a new Framework Agreement to support initiatives for living heritage safeguarding
23 May 2025 – Republic of Korea,The Republic of Korea and UNESCO have established a Framework Agreement for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The
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In memoriam: Professor Kristin Kuutma
20 May 2025 – Estonia,The Secretariat is deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Kristin Kuutma, a recognized scholar, influential cultural heritage thinker, member
Read moreStatutory meeting and activities
General Assemblies 10.GA (2024) 9.GA (2022) 8.GA (2020) 7.GA (2018) 6.GA (2016) 5.GA (2014) 4.GA (2012) 3.GA (2010) 2.GA (2008) 1.EXT.GA 1.GA (2006)
Committees 20.COM (2025) 19.COM (2024) 18.COM (2023) 17.COM (2022) 5.EXT.COM (2022) 16.COM (2021) 15.COM (2020) 14.COM (2019) 13.COM (2018) 12.COM (2017) 11.COM (2016) 10.COM (2015) 9.COM (2014) 8.COM (2013) 4.EXT.COM (2012) 7.COM (2012) 6.COM (2011) 5.COM (2010) 4.COM (2009) 3.COM (2008) 3.EXT.COM (2008) 2.EXT.COM (2008) 2.COM (2007) 1.EXT.COM (2007) 1.COM (2006)
20th anniversary 2003-2023
Visit anniversary pageEvents
20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee
08/12/2025 - 13/12/2025New Delhi (India)
Expert meeting (Category VI) on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage in urban contexts
16/06/2025 - 17/06/2025UNESCO Headquarters (France)
Experience-exchange meeting on preparing nominations under the 2003 Convention in Caribbean Small Island and Developing States (SIDS)
12/06/2025 - 12/06/2025Online (-)
Third meeting of the 20.COM Bureau
11/06/2025 - 11/06/2025UNESCO Headquarters (France)
Sharing good safeguarding experiences
Find inspiration in numerous approaches and measures implemented by communities worldwide to address specific needs in safeguarding living heritage. The platform for sharing good safeguarding experiences currently under development aims to promote broader implementation of Article 18 of the 2003 Convention.
Access the platformThemes & programmes
Priority Africa
Africa’s rich living heritage plays a fundamental role in building a strong cultural identity and shared values across the region.
Livelihoods
Economic activities linked with the practice of living heritage can generate income for communities, groups and individuals.
Climate change
Climate change is a largely irreversible and often destructive process inflicting damage on the cultural heritage.
