Press release
UNESCO Intangible Heritage: 63 new inscriptions
At the end of the debates, the 24 Member States of the Committee decided to inscribe 63 new cultural elements, including:
2 elements on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding;
58 elements on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
3 programmes on the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
With these new inscriptions, 788 cultural practices in 150 countries are now part of UNESCO's living heritage.
In response to the positive impact of the safeguarding measures put in place since their inscription, 3 elements have also been transferred from the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This Convention has reinvented the very notion of heritage, to the extent that tangible and intangible heritage, places and practices, are now inseparable. With these 63 new practices and traditions, our Convention continues to achieve wonders, not only by linking our generation to all those that have gone before, but also by constantly strengthening the links between the 183 States Parties to the Convention.
Increased commitment by States to living heritage
With over 900 participants from 120 countries, this session of the Committee was the second largest since its creation, reflecting the growing importance attached to intangible cultural heritage.
Among the elements presented this year, 16 were multinational inscriptions submitted by 62 countries, an increase of one third compared to the previous session. This 2024 session also marks the first inscription for 5 countries: Brunei Darussalam, Ghana, Myanmar, Rwanda and Somalia.
These inscriptions reflect the growing role of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention in strengthening dialogue and cooperation between States, as well as their shared desire to promote this living heritage beyond their national borders.
Africa's commitment to safeguarding its living heritage was confirmed at this session with the inscription of 9 elements by 12 countries and the announcement of the ratification of the Convention by two additional countries: Sierra Leone and South Africa.
Intangible cultural heritage at the heart of social cohesion
Many of the elements inscribed this year illustrate the capacity of intangible cultural heritage to strengthen social ties. In this respect, 44% of them contribute to more inclusive societies, either because they foster integration within communities in a spirit of solidarity, or because they take the form of festive social gatherings, rites of passage or ceremonies linked to the community and the family setting. At least 13 elements are passed on within the family circle.
The 11 culinary practices inscribed this year also promote living together. By creating moments of sharing and conviviality, they are increasingly seen as essential bridges between the generations, bringing communities together.
The next meeting of the Committee will take place in December 2025 in New Delhi, India.
About UNESCO
With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, 91麻豆国产精品自拍 offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.
“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.
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