Singapore’s Hawker Culture has recently been highlighted in the news due to its significant inclusion in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition came during the 15th session of the Intergovernmental Committee (IGC), held through an online platform.
Singapore’s Hawker Culture: An Intangible Cultural Heritage
Hawker culture in Singapore represents a vibrant living heritage that is shared by those who craft the flavoursome hawker food and those who engage socially via community dining spaces known as Hawker centres. It mirrors Singapore’s multicultural identity, strengthening the unity across different races and socio-economic levels.
The Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO
The UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage serves as a prestigious compilation of intangible elements reflecting the diversity of cultural heritage and raising awareness about its significance. Launched in 2008, with the initiation of the Convention for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the list recognizes and promotes various forms of intangible cultural heritage worldwide.
Recognition of India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage
In concordance with UNESCO’s initiative, the Ministry of Culture in India introduced the draft National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of India. The National ICH List is being developed to recognize the wealth of diverse Indian culture hidden within its intangible heritage, becoming an imperative part of Vision 2024 of the Ministry of Culture.
UNESCO: A Brief Overview
UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – is committed to fostering peace through international cooperation in the sectors of education, science, and culture. By initiating various programs, UNESCO significantly contributes towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as defined in Agenda 2030, sanctioned by the UN General Assembly in 2015. Currently, UNESCO has 193 Members and 11 Associate Members, with India joining as early as 1946.
UNESCO’s Other Noteworthy Initiatives
Apart from its initiatives for intangible cultural heritage, UNESCO champions various other programs. One such program is the Man and Biosphere Programme, focusing on promoting the management of biological and cultural diversity. India has 12 sites under the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) out of its 18 notified biosphere reserves.
The World Heritage Programme of UNESCO aims to safeguard natural and cultural sites of outstanding universal value. India currently boasts 38 world heritage sites, including 30 cultural properties, seven natural properties, and one mixed site.
Through the UNESCO Global Geopark Network, international recognition is given to sites that showcase the importance of protecting Earth’s geodiversity while actively involving local communities.
Lastly, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) encourages cooperation among cities where creativity plays a strategic role in sustainable urban development, spanning across various fields. Currently, five Indian cities have found a place in UCCN.