Introducing the Convention Unit 2 PowerPoint presentation

Exercise (20 mins): obligations of States Parties to the Convention

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• In Articles 11–15 and 26–29 of the Convention, please identify where it says:
• ‘States Parties shall ...’
• ‘States Parties undertake …’
• ‘States Parties shall endeavour to ...’

Obligations of States Parties to the Convention

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• Safeguard ICH on their territory (Article 11(a))
• Ensure community participation in identifying, defining and managing their ICH (Articles 11(b) and 15)
• Draw up inventories of the ICH in their territory (Article 12.1)
• Contribute to the ICH Fund (Article 26)
• Report to the Committee (Article 29)

Benefits of implementing the Convention (1)

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• Better safeguarding of the ICH within the States Parties, contributing to:
• Well-being of communities
• Respect and understanding between communities
• Sustainable development
• Enhancement of cultural diversity and human
• creativity

Benefits of implementing the Convention (2)

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• International cooperation and assistance:
• Sharing expertise and information internationally
• Sharing safeguarding practices
• Accessing assistance from the Fund
• Nominating elements and safeguarding projects
• Participating in the Organs of the Convention
• Cooperating regionally and internationally: for example, on shared heritage

In conclusion (1)

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• The Convention aims at:
• Safeguarding ICH within and by communities in a context of sustainable development and mutual respect
• Fully involving communities in any action concerning their ICH and empowering communities
• Enhancing cultural diversity, human creativity, mutual understanding and international cooperation

In conclusion (2)

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• The Convention:
• Is run by an Intergovernmental Committee, controlled by a General Assembly, both assisted by the UNESCO Secretariat
• Has Operational Directives, a Fund, two Lists and a Register of Best Practices
• Ratification imposes some obligations on States Parties
• Implementation brings benefits for States Parties, the communities concerned and other stakeholders