UNESCO Heritage Summit Concludes at Red Fort: UNESCO Adds 67 Elements; China to Host Next Session in 2026

UNESCO Adds 67 Elements; China to Host Next Session in 2026

The 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) concluded today, Saturday, after a week of intensive discussions held for the first time on Indian soil at the historic Red Fort complex in New Delhi.

The session, which began on December 8, 2025, and was chaired by H.E. Vishal V. Sharma, India’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, was marked by its celebratory atmosphere and significant additions to the global list of living heritage.

Key Outcomes: Global Heritage Expands

The major highlight of the session was the inscription of 67 new living heritage elements from various countries onto UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.

• India’s Deepavali Inscription: In a moment of immense national pride, the festival of Deepavali (Diwali), symbolising the triumph of light over darkness, was officially inscribed onto the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This landmark addition makes Deepavali the 16th Indian element on the coveted list.

• Global Additions: The committee examined 67 nominations submitted by 79 countries, including:

  • 53 elements are inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

  • 11 elements are inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

  • Notable inscriptions included Iran’s art of mirror-work in Persian architecture, the UAE’s traditional performing arts, and Switzerland’s yodelling.

• Growing Participation: The session witnessed the largest-ever attendance, with over 1,400 participants, and marked the first inscription for seven countries, underscoring the convention’s growing global relevance.

UNESCO Closing Ceremony and Future Host

The formal closing ceremony was hosted by India on Friday evening at the temporary Plenary Hall within the fort complex, setting a majestic backdrop for the delegates.

• Red Fort as the Backdrop: UNESCO officials, including Fumiko Ohinata, Secretary of the 2003 Convention, praised the Mughal-era Red Fort complex—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—as a “magnificent backdrop” that successfully showcased the convergence of India’s tangible and intangible heritage.

• Next Host in China: A senior UNESCO official announced that the 21st session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage will be hosted in December 2026 in Xiamen city, China.

India’s Role and Vision

India utilised its role as host to present its national ICH safeguarding model, which blends institutional support, community participation, documentation, and national inventory efforts as a model of good practice for the world.

• Cultural Diplomacy: In his closing address, India’s Ambassador to UNESCO, Vishal V. Sharma, said, “Each inscription is not merely an addition to a list but a renewed commitment to safeguarding practices that give meaning, identity, and continuity to human societies.”

• Delegates’ Day Out: Following days of intense deliberations on safeguarding strategies, international cooperation, and funding mechanisms, delegates are scheduled to head out for sightseeing today (Saturday) to experience New Delhi’s rich cultural and historical landscape before their departure.

The successful hosting of the session at the Red Fort reinforces India’s commitment to protecting and promoting its diverse living traditions for future generations.