On September 27-28, 2023, Ana Shanshiashvili, Board member of ICOM Georgia, Director of the Association of Traditional Crafts of Georgia, participated in the international experts meeting at the UNESCO headquarters.

The purpose of this meeting was to explore innovative approaches to harnessing the positive impact of economic activities on the preservation of living heritage and sustainable development within communities, groups, and individual lives, all while mitigating any potential adverse effects. The need for such an assembly arises from the inextricable link between economic activities and the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, as highlighted in Decision 14.COM 10 of the Intergovernmental Committee.

The ultimate goal of this gathering was to draft a guidance note, which will be directed toward communities and States Parties. This guidance note will provide a safeguarding approach that effectively addresses the risk of decontextualization and the over-commercialization of elements of living heritage, ensuring that cultural traditions and practices maintain their authenticity and significance.

Part II of this momentous meeting, which will be held online on October 20, 2023, will concentrate on finalizing the draft guidance note. Subsequently, this vital document will be presented to the Intergovernmental Committee at its eighteenth session scheduled for December 4 to 9, 2023, in Kasane, Republic of Botswana.

This initiative is part of a broader effort undertaken by the Secretariat since 2021, focusing on various thematic areas. The objective is to contribute to a holistic approach to heritage safeguarding and sustainable development. Two other key thematic initiatives under the 2003 Convention include safeguarding intangible cultural heritage in the face of climate change and within urban contexts.

For more detailed information regarding this significant event, we encourage you to visit the dedicated webpage.