The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has elected India to the Intergovernmental Committee of its 2003 Convention for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) for the 2022-2026 cycle. This isn’t India’s first time on the committee; the nation served two previous terms from 2006-2010 and again from 2014-2018. This milestone follows the addition of Kolkata’s Durga Puja to UNESCO’s ICH Representative List of Humanity.
Understanding Intangible Cultural Heritage
ICH refers to the practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills recognized by communities, groups, and sometimes individuals as part of their cultural heritage. It is also known as living cultural heritage. Oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals and festive events, knowledge and practices about nature and the universe, as well as traditional craftsmanship, are some forms in which it is expressed.
The Significance of India’s Election to the Convention
With this position, India will focus on promoting community participation and strengthening international cooperation through intangible heritage. Opportunities will be sought to increase academic research on intangible cultural heritage and to align the objectives of the Convention with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The role allows India to monitor the implementation of the 2003 Convention closely and promotes international dialogue within the State Parties to better showcase the diversity and importance of living heritage.
About UNESCO’s Convention for Safeguarding the Intangible Heritage
UNESCO adopted the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003, which was put into effect in 2006. The Convention committee is a group of 24 members who are chosen at the General Assembly of the Convention, guided by principles of equitable geographical representation and rotation, serving a four-year term.
The Convention’s purpose is to safeguard aspects of intangible cultural heritage that are at risk due to globalization processes. It aims to ensure respect for the intangible cultural heritage of communities, groups, and individuals while raising awareness about the importance of ICH at local, national, and international levels.
The Convention publishes three lists: the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, and the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices.
India’s Contributions to the ICH
India has made significant contributions to ICH, with 14 elements listed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Apart from Durga Puja, there are 13 other traditions in India recognized by UNESCO as ICH.
By taking up this role in UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, India will be able to not only protect and enhance its rich cultural diversity but also participate significantly in global cultural dialogues and exchanges.
