The 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of UNESCO commenced today at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi. The opening day witnessed participation from senior officials including Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Shri Vishal V. Sharma, 20 COM Chairperson and India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO; and Mr Ernesto Ottone, Assistant Director General for Culture at UNESCO.
After the morning session, Shri Vivek Aggarwal chaired a press conference outlining India’s contributions, vision, and continued leadership in safeguarding living heritage.
India’s Cultural Heritage: A Fusion of Tangible Grandeur and Living Traditions
Speaking at the press conference, Shri Vivek Aggarwal stated that hosting the 20th session at the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Red Fort symbolizes India’s distinctive fusion of tangible heritage—monuments, architecture, archaeological sites—and intangible cultural expressions such as performing arts, rituals, craftsmanship, festivals, and oral traditions.
He underscored India’s community-centered approach to safeguarding intangible heritage, driven by:
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Expansion of the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage
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Capacity-building programmes for practitioners and knowledge-holders
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Integration of living heritage into national development frameworks
The Secretary highlighted India’s 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List, from Vedic Chanting, Kutiyattam and Yoga, to Durga Puja, Garba, Kumbh Mela, and others—describing them as a “kaleidoscope of India’s cultural identity.”
He affirmed that intangible heritage represents the “living heartbeat of humanity,” preserved and transmitted across generations by communities.
Global Challenges and UNESCO’s Role in Safeguarding Living Heritage
Shri Aggarwal noted that the session is taking place at a time when intangible cultural heritage worldwide is threatened by:
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Commercialization pressures
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Shifting social and community dynamics
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Transformations brought by digital ecosystems
He emphasized that UNESCO’s multilateral platform remains essential for dialogue, cooperation, and collective stewardship to ensure sustainable preservation of cultural expressions across nations.
India’s Leadership in Intangible Heritage Governance
Addressing the gathering, Shri Vishal V. Sharma, Chairperson of the 20th COM Session, welcomed participating delegates from across the world and reaffirmed India’s long-standing commitment to safeguarding global cultural heritage.
He noted that India’s ongoing membership (2022–2026) in the Intergovernmental Committee strengthens its role in shaping global frameworks, policies, and collaborative initiatives for protecting living heritage.
UNESCO Acknowledges India’s Role and Hospitality
UNESCO’s Assistant Director General for Culture, Mr Ernesto Ottone, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for hosting the 20th session in New Delhi. He applauded India’s sustained efforts and leadership in protecting cultural heritage, and appreciated the enriched dialogue fostered through the New Delhi session.
A Global Gathering at the Red Fort
The week-long session, scheduled from 8–13 December 2025, is bringing together nearly 1,000 delegates from UNESCO Member States, cultural institutions, NGOs, researchers, heritage practitioners, and global experts.
Discussions will focus on:
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Strengthening global safeguarding measures
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Reviewing nominations to the Representative List
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Enhancing international cooperation
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Supporting communities who keep living traditions vibrant
Conclusion
By hosting the 20th ICH Committee session at the Red Fort, India has once again positioned itself at the heart of global cultural stewardship. The event showcases India’s profound civilizational heritage and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that living traditions continue to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
As nearly a thousand global delegates convene in New Delhi, India’s leadership in cultural policy, preservation, and community-based heritage safeguarding shines on the world stage.
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Source: PIB
