India Hosts Landmark UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Session at Historic Red Fort

India is currently hosting the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) from December 8 to 13, 2025, at the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi. This significant event marks the first time India has convened this global session, drawing over 1,000 delegates from more than 185 countries, as reported by gktoday on December 6, 2025.

The session coincides with the twentieth anniversary of India's ratification of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, underscoring the nation's sustained commitment to preserving living cultural traditions, according to ndtv on December 9, 2025. H.E. Mr. Vishal V. Sharma, India's Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, is chairing the proceedings.

The primary objective of this high-profile gathering is to protect and popularize shared living traditions, fostering international cooperation in safeguarding cultural inheritance. UNESCO's official website confirms that the committee will examine nominations for inscription on the ICH lists and review the status of existing elements.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar formally opened the session, emphasizing that traditions, languages, music, and craftsmanship represent the most "democratic expression of culture," owned by all and guarded by many, as reported by vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com on December 8, 2025. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also highlighted India's proposal to inscribe Diwali on the ICH list.

The choice of the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as the venue symbolizes the convergence of India's tangible and intangible heritage, according to The Statesman on December 8, 2025. This setting provides a powerful backdrop for discussions on preserving global cultural diversity and promoting mutual appreciation.

Delegates are engaging in critical discussions aimed at advancing the objectives of the 2003 Convention, which seeks to safeguard practices, knowledge, expressions, and spaces recognized by communities as part of their cultural identity. Prensa Latina noted on December 8, 2025, that the session will examine 67 high-quality nomination dossiers from various regions.

This landmark event is expected to significantly enhance India's cultural diplomacy and global influence, providing a platform to showcase its rich heritage and inspire younger generations to connect with their cultural identity, as stated by the Ministry of Culture on December 4, 2025.

• Background and Historical Context of the UNESCO Convention: The 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was adopted on October 17, 2003, during UNESCO's 32nd General Conference in Paris. This convention emerged from growing international concern over the erosion of living cultural traditions, performing arts, rituals, and craftsmanship due to globalization and social change, as detailed by vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com on December 8, 2025. It formally established mechanisms for international cooperation and recognition, laying the foundation for UNESCO's ICH lists and the work of the Intergovernmental Committee.

• India's Engagement and Contributions to ICH: India ratified the 2003 Convention in 2005 and has since been an active participant, serving three terms on the ICH Committee. The nation currently boasts 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, including diverse traditions like Vedic chanting, Yoga, Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja, and Garba, according to travelmedia.in on December 7, 2025. India's consistent efforts demonstrate its strong commitment to preserving its vibrant cultural legacy.

• Significance of the Red Fort as the Venue: The historic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was chosen to host the session, symbolizing the profound connection between India's tangible and intangible heritage. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it has witnessed centuries of history and remains a powerful emblem of Indian identity and resilience, as highlighted by IndianInfo on April 7, 2025. The venue allows for thematic exhibits and cultural performances, showcasing India's diverse heritage to global delegates.

• Key Nominations and Discussions: A major highlight of the 20th session is India's formal proposal to inscribe Diwali, the festival of lights, on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat expressed confidence in a positive outcome for this nomination, which seeks global recognition for the festival's cultural, spiritual, and social significance, gktoday reported on December 6, 2025. The committee will also review other nominations, including Cuba's "Cuban son" and Venezuela's Joropo traditional dance, as noted by Prensa Latina.

• Role and Functions of the Intergovernmental Committee: The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage plays a crucial role in implementing the 2003 Convention. Its functions include promoting the Convention's objectives, providing guidance on best practices, examining nominations for inscription on the ICH lists, and granting international assistance for safeguarding efforts, as detailed by UNESCO's official information. The committee also mobilizes resources for the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund.

• Broader Implications for Cultural Diplomacy and Global Leadership: Hosting this session positions India as a global leader in cultural diplomacy and heritage preservation. It offers a unique platform to project India's soft power, cultural richness, and diversity on an international stage, according to vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com on December 8, 2025. The event aims to foster international cooperation, capacity building, and technical exchanges, while also inspiring domestic efforts in documentation and community engagement, particularly among youth.