New Delhi – December 7, 2024 (LatestNewsX)
The Ministry of Culture announced that it will host the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage, a six‑day gathering scheduled from Monday, 8 December, at the historic Red Fort.
India has already earned 15 entries on UNESCO’s Representative list and has served on the committee for three terms, the ministry said. The country hopes the conference will shine a spotlight on its living heritage—ranging from little‑known traditions and local crafts to regional festivals—and attract worldwide attention, research, tourism and financial support.
UNESCO adopted the 2003 Convention on safeguarding intangible heritage on 17 October 2003 during its 32nd General Conference in Paris. The agreement was created to protect cultural practices, oral traditions, performing arts, social customs, rituals, traditional knowledge and craftsmanship that were under threat from globalisation, social change and limited resources.
It establishes a framework for international cooperation, recognition and funding, laying the groundwork for the Intangible Cultural Heritage lists and the ongoing work of the intergovernmental committee. The committee’s role is to advance the convention’s goals, monitor implementation, recommend best‑practice measures, prepare draft plans for the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund and propose additional financing as needed.
By organising the 20th session through the ministry and the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India plans to capitalize on the global attention to strengthen domestic efforts such as documentation, inventorying, nomination dossiers, and community engagement—particularly with young people and future generations.
The event also aims to serve as a platform for cultural diplomacy, showcasing India’s soft power, its rich diversity and leadership in heritage stewardship. According to the statement, the conference should reinforce the connection between heritage conservation and sustainable development, highlighting intangible heritage as a catalyst for livelihoods, community identity, social cohesion and cultural tourism.
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