UNESCO ICH Meet at Red Fort Concludes, 67 New Living Heritage Elements Added

By A Staff Reporter

A major UNESCO meeting on the safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), held at Delhi’s historic Red Fort, concluded on Saturday after a nearly week-long session marked by extensive deliberations and global participation. During the meeting, the Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) approved the inclusion of 67 new living heritage elements from countries across the world, further expanding the global inventory of protected cultural practices.

Senior UNESCO officials said the additions reflect the diversity of traditions, rituals, performing arts, craftsmanship and social practices that communities continue to practise and transmit across generations. The newly inscribed elements span multiple regions, highlighting the cultural richness of Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Pacific.

The meeting at the Red Fort brought together delegates, cultural experts and representatives from member states, who discussed measures to safeguard endangered traditions, strengthen community participation and ensure that cultural heritage remains relevant in a rapidly changing world. Sessions focused on best practices, international cooperation and the role of governments in supporting living heritage without commercial exploitation or loss of authenticity.