Intangible Cultural Heritage: The UNESCO Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage will hold its 19th ordinary session from 2 to 7 December 2024 in Asunción (Paraguay). It will examine the nominations of 63 elements submitted by 90 States for inscription on the Lists of the Convention.
At a session, the 24 Member States of the Committee – representing the 183 States Parties to this UNESCO Convention – will examine a total of 63 nominations for inscription on the Convention\’s Lists:
– 58 nominations for the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (including 5 extension requests for elements previously inscribed at the request of other States),
– 2 nominations for inscription on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding,
– 3 nominations for the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices.
In response to the positive impact of the safeguarding measures put in place since their inscription, the Committee will also study 3 requests for transfer from the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Accreditation and inscription announcement
Journalists wishing to cover the 19th session in person can register through the following link. Once your registration has been confirmed, please send details of your stay to the host country by clicking here. The Committee meeting will also be broadcast live online.
New inscriptions on the Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists will take place from 3 to 5 December.
About the Lists of the Convention
Intangible cultural heritage includes oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals and festive events, knowledge, practices and skills relating to nature, the universe and craftsmanship.
The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity recognizes and promotes the diversity of cultural practices and know-how carried out by communities. It currently includes 611 elements practiced in 140 countries. Inclusion on the List encourages all stakeholders to take action to safeguard these practices in close collaboration with the practitioners themselves.
The List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding also identifies elements of living heritage whose survival is threatened and enables States Parties to the Convention to mobilize international cooperation and assistance needed to save them. There are currently 82 items listed.
The Register of Good Safeguarding Practices highlights 37 programmes, projects and activities that best reflect the principles and objectives of the Convention.
