Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

India  host the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) from 8 to 13 December 2025 in New Delhi.
This highlights India’s growing role in global cultural governance and heritage preservation.

Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH): UNESCO Definition

According to UNESCO, Intangible Cultural Heritage includes the practices, knowledge systems, expressions, objects, and cultural spaces that communities, groups, and individuals recognize as part of their cultural identity.
Examples include oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, festivals, traditional craftsmanship, and social practices.

2003 UNESCO Convention on Safeguarding ICH

• UNESCO adopted the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage on 17 October 2003 during its 32nd General Conference in Paris.

• The Convention established formal mechanisms for international cooperation, recognition, and assistance, forming the basis for UNESCO’s ICH Lists and the functioning of the Intergovernmental Committee.

Objectives of the 2003 Convention

The Convention aims to:

• Safeguard intangible cultural heritage worldwide.

• Ensure respect for the ICH of communities, groups, and individuals.

• Raise awareness at local, national, and international levels about the importance of ICH.

• Promote international cooperation and assistance in safeguarding efforts.

Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of the ICH

The Intergovernmental Committee is responsible for advancing the objectives of the 2003 Convention and ensuring its effective implementation among States Parties.

Key Functions of the Committee

The Committee:

• Promotes and monitors the implementation of the 2003 Convention.

• Provides guidance on best practices and recommends safeguarding measures.

• Prepares and submits to the General Assembly the draft plan for the use of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund.

• Mobilises additional resources for the ICH Fund.

• Drafts and proposes Operational Directives for implementing the Convention.

• Examines periodic reports submitted by States Parties and compiles summaries.

• Evaluates requests and takes decisions on:

  • Inscription of elements on UNESCO’s ICH Lists (Articles 16, 17, and 18).

  • Granting of international assistance.

Composition and Membership

• The Committee consists of 24 Member States.

• Members are elected for a four-year term.

• Elections are held every two years during the General Assembly of States Parties.

• India is currently a member (2022–2026) of the Committee.

Significance for India

• Hosting the 20th session strengthens India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy.

• It reinforces India’s commitment to heritage preservation and community-led cultural safeguarding.

• Enhances India’s visibility in shaping global cultural heritage policies.