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.