Ukraine elected to Intergovernmental Committee for Intangible Cultural Heritage for first time in history

Ukraine has entered the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the first time, as reported by the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy. The decision was made during the 10th session of the General Assembly of the states parties to the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

“This is a historic event for Ukraine, an important step in the protection of intangible cultural heritage. Ukraine will steadfastly adhere to the spirit and letter of the Convention, sharing its values. We will strive to increase respect for living heritage, pay maximum attention to the safeguarding of Ukraine’s intangible cultural heritage, which is a component of national security, sustainable peace, and cultural harmony, and therefore a top priority for Ukraine,” said Anastasiia Bondar, Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine for Digital Development, Digital Transformations, and Digitalization, during the committee meeting.

Ukraine submitted its candidacy at the end of 2023 for a four-year term, having ratified the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008. This document aims to effectively safeguard intangible cultural heritage at local, national, and international levels, ensure respect, raise awareness of its significance, and enhance its recognition.

“Ukraine’s election to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage not only contributes to the positive image of the country but also provides an opportunity to effectively achieve and fulfill the goals of the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, as well as the commitments undertaken by Ukraine in implementing the Convention,” the ministry said.

Last year, in July, Ukraine also joined the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the first time.