From 8 to 13 December 2025, New Delhi, India, is hosting the Twentieth Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The forum brings together representatives from around the world working to preserve and promote living traditions.

The session is chaired by H.E. Mr. Vishal V. Sharma, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of India to UNESCO.

UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany highlighted the role of living heritage as a key pillar of cultural diversity:

“Intangible heritage lives within people, is transmitted across generations, and empowers communities to safeguard the roots of our shared humanity.”

The event emphasizes the importance of the communities that create, transmit, and sustain traditions – a core principle of UNESCO’s mission.