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The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage is a 24-member UNESCO body established under the 2003 ICH Convention. Its core purpose is to promote, supervise, and operationalize safeguarding measures for living cultural heritage across the world.
About the Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of ICH
Venue for 2025 Session
Red Fort (Lal Qila), New Delhi
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolising India’s rich civilisational heritage and cultural leadership.
Structure of the Committee
Composition
- 24 Member States elected by the General Assembly of States Parties.
- Seats distributed across six UNESCO regional groups ensuring equitable geographical representation.
- Member States nominate experts with specialised knowledge in intangible cultural heritage.
Term Rules
- Four-year term for each Member State.
- Staggered renewal: Half the Committee is replaced every two years to blend continuity with new perspectives.
Functions of the Committee
Promote Objectives of the 2003 ICH Convention
- Ensures global cooperation for the preservation of living heritage, community traditions, and cultural expressions.
Offer Technical Guidance
- Advises States Parties on best safeguarding practices, capacity-building, and integration of communities in heritage preservation.
Prepare Operational Directives
- Drafts rules, procedures, and financial plans for effective implementation of the Convention, including management of the ICH Fund.
Examine Nominations for ICH Lists
- Evaluates entries for the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- Reviews the eligibility of cultural elements for the Urgent Safeguarding List.
Assess Good Safeguarding Practices
- Identifies and approves successful community-led safeguarding initiatives for the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices.
About Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)
Intangible Cultural Heritage refers to living traditions and knowledge systems transmitted across generations, including:
- Performing arts
- Rituals and festivals
- Oral traditions
- Craftsmanship
- Social practices
- Traditional knowledge and skills
Origin of the Concept
- Institutionalised under the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- Came into force in 2008.
- Established global ICH lists to protect traditions through community participation and international cooperation.
UNESCO’s ICH Lists
- Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
- List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding
- Register of Good Safeguarding Practices
India’s Position
India currently has 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List, reflecting its deep cultural diversity.
