Intangible Cultural Heritage: the United Kingdom becomes the 183rd State to join UNESCO’s Convention

On Friday 12th April 2024, Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, UK Minister for Arts and Heritage, met with UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay to mark the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s ratification to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It will be effective on 7 June 2024.

Created in 2003, UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage recognises traditional craftsmanship, oral traditions and expressions, performing arts, social practices, rituals and festive events, knowledge and practices related to nature and the universe. 

The UK is thus committed to an increased inventory of the country’s traditions, including practices inspired by diaspora communities, and to better safeguarding of the most at-risk. To this end, the UK Government launched a public consultation in January 2024 on the creation of a new register onto which communities across the country could “nominate their most cherished local traditions”. 

In twenty years, the Convention has highlighted the importance of living heritage, brought more communities voices to the forefront and become a reference for nations in the establishment of policies and institutions, legal frameworks and educational and economic programmes. Today, 730 elements are inscribed on the Convention’s Lists and Register.

Image: © UNESCO/Christelle ALIX