INDIA HOSTS UNESCO’S 20TH INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE SESSION
ON INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE (ICH)
Why in the news?
- India is hosting the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
- The session is being held from 8 to 13 December 2025 in New Delhi.
- This is the first time India is hosting the ICH Committee session, marking a significant cultural milestone
- The event coincides with 20 years of India’s ratification of the 2003 UNESCO Convention, highlighting India’s long-term commitment to safeguarding living heritage.
Why is the venue significant?
- The meeting is hosted at the Red Fort Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Hosting an intangible heritage event at a tangible heritage site symbolises the interconnection between tangible and intangible heritage.
- The Red Fort represents India’s historical continuity and cultural identity.
Who is chairing the session?
- The session will be chaired b India’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.
- The chairmanship reinforces India’s leadership role in global heritage governance.
WHAT IS INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE?
According to UNESCO, Intangible Cultural Heritage includes:
- Practices, expressions, knowledge and skills
- Objects, artefacts and spaces associated with them
- Traditions that communities recognise as part of their cultural identity
Key characteristics of ICH:
- It is living heritage, not static.
- It is transmitted across generations.
- It evolves continuously and adapts to social changes.
- It strengthens cultural diversity and social cohesion.
BACKGROUND
- UNESCO adopted the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage on 17 October 2003.
- It was adopted during UNESCO’s 32nd General Conference in Paris.
Why the Convention was needed:
- Globalisation and social change were threatening living traditions.
- Oral traditions, rituals, crafts and performing arts lacked protection.
CORE PHILOSOPHY OF 2003 CONVENTION
- The Convention places communities, groups and practitioners at the centre of safeguarding efforts.
- It recognises the role of indigenous and local communities.
- It highlights the interdependence of tangible and intangible heritage.
- It promotes international cooperation and youth awareness.
Objectives of the 2003 Convention
The Convention aims:
- To safeguard intangible cultural heritage.
- To ensure respect for communities and practitioners.
- To raise awareness at local, national and international levels.
- To promote international cooperation and assistance.
ABOUT INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE FOR ICH
- The Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of ICH ensures the effective implementation of the 2003 Convention.
- It works under UNESCO and consists of States Parties elected by the General Assembly.
Functions of the Intergovernmental Committee
The Committee performs the following roles:
- Promotes & monitors implementation of the 2003 Convention.
- Issues guidelines and best practices for safeguarding ICH.
- Manages the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund.
- Mobilises additional resources for safeguarding efforts.
- Drafts and revises operational guidelines.
- Reviews periodic reports submitted by States Parties.
- Evaluates and decides on:
- Inscription of elements on UNESCO ICH Lists
- Granting of international assistance
INDIA’S ROLE IN ICH COMMITTEE
- India has served on the Intergovernmental Committee for three terms.
- Hosting the 20th session reflects India’s consistent engagement and credibility.
- India plays an active role in advocating community-centric and inclusive safeguarding models.
Nodal agencies for the 20th session
- Ministry of Culture (MoC), Government of India
- Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), an autonomous cultural body
These institutions are responsible for coordination, cultural programming, and logistics.
KEY AGENDAS
By hosting this session, India aims to:
- Share its national safeguarding model, which combines:
- Institutional support
- Community participation
- Documentation and inventories
- Promote international cooperation through:
- Joint nominations
- Capacity building
- Knowledge exchange
- Increase global visibility of Indian ICH, including lesser-known traditions.
- Strengthen youth engagement and intergenerational transmission.
- Use the platform for cultural diplomacy and soft power projection.
- Link heritage conservation with sustainable development and livelihoods.
INDIA’S ICH ELEMENTS ON UNESCO’S REPRESENTATIVES LIST
- India has 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of ICH of Humanity.
These include:
- Performing arts like Kutiyattam, Chhau.
- Rituals like Ramlila, Ramman.
- Knowledge systems like Vedic chanting.
- Mega cultural events like Kumbh Mela
- Contemporary elements like Yoga, Garba, Durga Puja.
CONCLUSION
India hosting the 20th UNESCO ICH Committee session is both symbolic and strategic. It highlights India’s civilisational depth, cultural diversity and community-driven heritage model. The session strengthens global cooperation and sets a strong example for inclusive safeguarding of living heritage. Hosting this event reflects India’s enduring commitment to preserving cultural traditions for present and future generations.
Note: Connect with Vajirao & Reddy Institute to keep yourself updated with latest UPSC Current Affairs in English.
Note: We upload Current Affairs Except Sunday.