PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has been elected to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026-2030 term. The position is expected to strengthen the Kingdom’s influence in shaping international policies on the protection of living cultural traditions.
The vote was decided during the 11th General Assembly of the States Parties to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held at Unesco headquarters in Paris on June 17-18.
The assembly brought together representatives from all 185 States Parties to the convention.
Cambodia’s appointment marks a significant cultural diplomacy milestone, giving it a seat on Unesco’s key decision-making body responsible for overseeing the implementation of the convention and guiding global efforts to preserve intangible cultural heritage.
According to Unesco, the Intergovernmental Committee is entrusted with promoting the objectives of the convention, providing guidance on best practices for safeguarding intangible heritage, examining nominations to Unesco’s heritage lists and approving international assistance programmes for member states.
The committee plays a central role in protecting what Unesco describes as “living heritage” — traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, traditional craftsmanship and knowledge that communities pass from generation to generation.
For Cambodia, the membership is particularly relevant as it possesses a rich and diverse intangible cultural heritage, much of which has gained international recognition over the past two decades.
Among the Cambodian cultural elements which are inscribed on Unesco’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity are the Royal Ballet of Cambodia, Sbek Thom shadow theatre, Chapei Dang Veng musical tradition, Lkhon Khol Wat Svay Andet and the traditional martial art Kun Lbokator.
The new role will allow Cambodia not only to participate more actively in discussions on global cultural preservation but also to contribute its own experiences in safeguarding traditions that survived decades of conflict and social upheaval.
Unesco states that the 2003 Convention aims to ensure respect for intangible cultural heritage, raise awareness of its importance and encourage international cooperation and assistance among countries.
Cambodia became a State Party to the convention in 2006 and has since been one of the most active members. It continues to invest in the preservation of both its tangible and intangible heritage, viewing culture as an essential pillar of national identity, social cohesion and international cooperation. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
