New Delhi, Dec 8: The 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage opened on Monday at the Red Fort, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in attendance.
UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany and India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Ambassador Vishal V Sharma, were also present.
At the ceremony, Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal read out a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who commended UNESCO’s work and reaffirmed India’s commitment to partnering with the global community to strengthen cultural safeguarding efforts.
The PM noted that India’s linguistic and artistic diversity, reflected in its many traditions, stories and community practices, remains a source of immense national pride.
In his address, Minister Shekhawat stressed that heritage extends beyond monuments to living traditions such as languages, music, festivals, crafts and oral practices.
He said India’s civilisational belief in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam continues to guide its cultural engagement globally.
India currently has 15 elements on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Globally, 788 elements from 150 countries are inscribed, underscoring the need for stronger safeguarding measures, the minister said.
Shekhawat emphasised that communities are the primary guardians of heritage, highlighting Indian initiatives in craft revival, community archiving, master–apprentice training and livelihood support for artisans.
He urged greater youth participation through education, vocational training, cultural fellowships and digital platforms to sustain these traditions.
Expressing confidence that the 20th session would deepen global cooperation, he welcomed delegates to India and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to protecting intangible cultural heritage.
