New Delhi Hosts UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee Session

New Delhi, December 8, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed immense joy as India commences host to the 20th Session of UNESCO's Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). The week-long event, held at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi from December 8-13, has gathered delegates from over 150 nations, all united in their dedication to safeguarding and promoting the world’s living cultural traditions.

In a message shared on social media, Prime Minister Modi conveyed that it was a "matter of immense joy" that India is hosting this significant global forum. He emphasized the importance of the venue, the Red Fort, in highlighting India's enduring commitment to celebrating culture and utilizing it as a bridge between societies and generations.

This marks the first time India has hosted a session of the UNESCO panel. The session aims to examine nominations submitted by States Parties for inscription on the UNESCO ICH Lists, review the status of existing elements, and provide international assistance for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

In his message, which was read at the opening ceremony by Union Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal, PM Modi highlighted India's commitment to harnessing the power of culture to connect societies and generations. He stated it was a matter of great pride for India to host this key session. He also told the attendees that they "represent not only your nations, but also the living traditions, stories and wisdom that humanity has inherited through time".

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of intangible heritage, describing it as the "moral and emotional memories of societies". He noted that it shapes identity, fosters harmony, strengthens the sense of belonging, and transmits traditional knowledge that may not be found in books. He urged its preservation to save the world's cultural diversity.

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat addressed that the Red Fort has been an iconic witness to the continuity of life in India. He added that India hosting this meet is not just a matter of pride but a reminder that cultural ethics echo through its rich past.

India has nominated Diwali – the festival of light, brotherhood, compassion, and collective celebration – as its submission for the UNESCO Intangible heritage list this year. Union Minister Shekhawat expressed confidence in a positive outcome for the nomination.

The session will include the examination of nominations for inscription on the UNESCO ICH lists, a review of existing elements, and the provision of international assistance for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

The Prime Minister's words resonate with the broader objective of the UNESCO session: to acknowledge, protect, and promote the intangible cultural heritage that enriches societies worldwide. By hosting this event, India reaffirms its dedication to preserving its own vibrant cultural tapestry while fostering global collaboration in safeguarding these invaluable traditions for future generations.