Swiss cultural policy internationally networked
Switzerland has been elected to the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. For the first time, it will sit on this committee of 24 states for four years.
As the central body for the implementation of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Intergovernmental Committee defines the strategies for the safeguarding and dissemination of living cultural heritage. It is responsible for the implementation of the Convention and, in particular, decides on inscriptions on the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
With the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, UNESCO aims to protect cultural heritage that is less related to buildings or spaces and more to time, community practices and social interactions. From Switzerland, the list so far includes the Basel Carnival and yodeling.
