View of the 2024 Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) Meeting held in Asunción, Paraguay

UNESCO Session Highlights Cultural Diversity: IICAS Member States Recognized

The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage convened from December 2 to 7, 2024, in Asunción, Republic of Paraguay. This session marked a significant milestone with the inscription of 66 nominations across three lists: two elements on the Urgent Safeguarding List, three elements on the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices, and 61 elements on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Note: In this press release, only nominations from IICAS Member States (13 countries) on the Representative List are reflected, as there were no relevant entries for the other two lists.

Key Recognitions from IICAS Member States:

Tandir Craftsmanship and Bread Baking (Azerbaijan): Celebrating the deep-rooted traditions and skills involved in crafting tandirs (clay ovens) and baking bread, this practice is a vital aspect of Azerbaijani cultural identity.

Tandir Craftsmanship and Bread Baking (Azerbaijan)

Art of Crafting and Playing Rubab/Rabab (Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan): This shared tradition highlights the artistry and musical heritage surrounding the rubab, an iconic string instrument.

Art of Crafting and Playing Rubab/Rabab (Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan)

Art of Crafting and Playing Rubab/Rabab (Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan)

Spring Festival: Social Practices in Celebration of the Traditional New Year (China): A vibrant tradition marking the renewal of the lunar calendar, rich in rituals and festivities.

Spring Festival: Social Practices in Celebration of the Traditional New Year (China)

Betashar: Traditional Wedding Ritual (Kazakhstan): A heartfelt ceremony blending music, poetry, and cultural customs, central to Kazakh wedding celebrations.

Betashar: Traditional Wedding Ritual (Kazakhstan)

Mongol Nomad Migration and Its Associated Practices (Mongolia): This unique element pays homage to the sustainable lifestyle and cultural practices of Mongolia's nomadic communities.

Mongol Nomad Migration and Its Associated Practices (Mongolia)

Ceremony of Mehregan (Tajikistan and Iran): An ancient Persian festival celebrating friendship, love, and the harvest season, embodying shared cultural heritage between these nations.

Ceremony of Mehregan (Tajikistan and Iran)

Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices Related to Jang (Fermented Sauces) Making (Republic of Korea): A testament to Korea's culinary heritage, highlighting traditional techniques of fermentation and preservation.

Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices Related to Jang (Fermented Sauces) Making (Republic of Korea)

Traditional Bagpipe Making and Performing (Türkiye and North Macedonia): This element emphasizes the craftsmanship and performing arts linked to the iconic bagpipe, a symbol of regional musical heritage.

Traditional Bagpipe Making and Performing (Türkiye and North Macedonia)

Notable Updates

Mongolia was officially added to the list of countries celebrating Nowruz, the spring new year festival recognized for its significance in fostering cultural solidarity across many nations.

Certificate Confirming Mongolia's Official Addition to the List of Countries Celebrating Nowruz, the Spring New Year Festival

China's Success Stories: Three elements from China were transferred from the Urgent Safeguarding List to the Representative List, showcasing successful preservation:

Qiang New Year Festival

Traditional Wooden Arch Bridges Design and Practices

Traditional Li Textile Techniques

Africa's Strong Presence: A notable trend in this session was Africa's significant and multinational representation, reflecting an increasing tendency toward regional collaboration. Comparative analysis with previous sessions highlights Africa's growing role in promoting and safeguarding intangible heritage.

New Trends: Traditional Housing Elements

Several newly inscribed elements relate to traditional housing and its associated practices:

Mongol Nomad Migration (Mongolia)

Art of Dry Stone Construction (multi-national)

Skills of Parisian Zinc Roofers (France)

Chinese Wooden Arch Bridges

These elements underscore the importance of architecture as an integral part of cultural heritage.

Committee Membership

The session was attended by Member States, including Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, China, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, Paraguay, Slovakia, Spain, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Viet Nam, among others.

Reflections on Cultural and Economic Impact

Cultural Impact: The recognition enhances cultural pride, fosters international cultural exchange, and ensures preservation for future generations.

Economic Impact: Increased tourism, job creation for artisans, and infrastructure investment contribute to sustainable development.

This session underscored UNESCO's commitment to safeguarding global heritage and fostering international cooperation, with Member States of the 2003 Convention playing a significant role in this year's achievements.

https://www.youtube.com/live/cT2M7uOlaXs?si=XpyrhVGRnEm2Ej5o