UNESCO’s 20th Intangible Heritage Session Concludes in Delhi

• 20th Session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding ICH concludes at Red Fort, New Delhi.
• Deepavali added to UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• India reaffirms commitment to protecting and promoting global living heritage.
• Member States express interest in multinational nominations reflecting shared cultural traditions.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 13th Dec: The 20th Session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) concluded on Friday at the Red Fort in New Delhi, marking the end of a week of global cultural deliberations. In his closing address, Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, expressed India’s satisfaction in hosting the international gathering and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to preserving and celebrating living heritage.

Aggarwal noted that the sessions allowed delegates to understand the workings of the Convention while experiencing India’s cultural diversity first-hand. He highlighted India’s civilizational ethos of viewing culture as a collective inheritance, quoting the guiding principle: “संस्कृतेः रक्षणं, लोकस्य रक्षणम्” — in protecting culture, we protect humanity.

One of the major highlights of the session was the formal inscription of Deepavali on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Calling Deepavali a festival that embodies “light, hope, and renewal,” Aggarwal said its inclusion reaffirms global recognition of India’s vibrant and enduring traditions. He also congratulated all countries whose cultural elements were inscribed this year.

Reflecting on the discussions throughout the session, the Secretary stressed the crucial role intangible heritage plays in sustaining communities, strengthening social bonds, and ensuring continuity of traditions. At a time when globalisation, conflict, and climate pressures threaten cultural ecosystems, safeguarding living heritage has become more vital than ever, he said.

Aggarwal added that many Member States expressed interest in multinational nominations, acknowledging that numerous cultural practices naturally transcend borders. India welcomed this collaborative approach and conveyed its readiness to work with partner countries on future transnational inscriptions.

Expressing gratitude to UNESCO leadership—including Director-General Dr. Khaled El-Enany, India’s Permanent Representative Vishal V. Sharma, Secretary Fumiko Ohinata, Member States, NGOs, cultural practitioners, and experts—Aggarwal credited their active participation for the success of the session. He also acknowledged the contributions of Indian cultural institutions such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi, ASI, IGNCA, Sahitya Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi, National School of Drama, and various Zonal Cultural Centres.

In his concluding remarks, he called for strengthened global cultural unity, quoting the Atharva Veda: “समानि व: वृणुते हृदयानि” — May our hearts choose the path of unity. India, he said, looks forward to advancing shared goals and enhancing cooperation in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage worldwide.