The 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, hosted by the Republic of Botswana, assessed the nominations submitted by States Parties for inscription on the lists of the Convention, which include 45 elements for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, 6 elements for inclusion in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Preservation, 4 proposals for the Register of Good Preservation Practices and 1 request for international assistance.

The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage currently includes about 704 elements corresponding to 5 regions and 143 countries.

The list includes forms of expression that testify to the diversity of intangible heritage and raise awareness of its importance. By enhancing the viability of cultural practices and community know-how, UNESCO aims to protect the intangible cultural heritage of communities worldwide.