Overall Results Framework for the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.pdf

Approved by the General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention at its seventh session (UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, 4 to 6 June 2018), the overall results framework is the final outcome of a consultative process that originated in a recommendation by UNESCO’s Internal Oversight Service, as part of its 2013 evaluation of the standard-setting work of UNESCO’s Culture Sector. This process included a category VI expert meeting in Beijing, China, from 7 to 9 September 2016. During this meeting, a high-level results map was developed, which was then endorsed by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage at its eleventh session in 2016. The process continued with an open-ended intergovernmental working group organized from 11 to 13 June 2017 in Chengdu, China. The working group drafted the framework itself, which was in turn endorsed by the Committee at its twelfth session in December 2017, about six months before its final approval by the abovementioned session of the General Assembly.

The overall results framework was prepared as a tool to measure the impact of the 2003 Convention at various levels through clearly identified objectives, indicators and benchmarks, as well as by means of a results-oriented monitoring system. The framework is composed of two tables: the first one includes the high-level framework, where the impacts, expected outcomes and eight thematic areas are identified and a set of twenty-six core indicators have been established; the second table presents the core indicators and an associated set of eighty-six assessment factors arranged by thematic areas. Guidance notes for all twenty-six indicators and other informational materials on the overall results framework will be developed to support States Parties and other actors in their implementation of the framework.

At the same time, the periodic reporting system on the implementation of the 2003 Convention will also be reformed with the aim of enhancing its quality, usefulness and timeliness. The periodic reporting form ICH-10 will be revised and aligned with the overall results framework to allow the collection of information on relevant core indicators of the framework. During the reporting exercise, States Parties will be also able to establish targets and baselines at the country level.

Table 1: High-level framework with brief indicators

1. This indicator is monitored and reported only at the global level. 2. This indicator is monitored and reported only at the global level.

Table 2: Core indicators and assessment factors, arranged by thematic areas

3. References to ‘whether or not inscribed’ should be understood to mean ‘inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding or the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’. 4. References to ‘inclusive’, ‘inclusively’ or ‘on an inclusive basis’ should be understood to mean ‘inclusive of all sectors and strata of society, including indigenous peoples, migrants, immigrants and refugees, people of different ages and genders, persons with disabilities and members of vulnerable groups’ (cf. Operational Directives 174 and 194). When these actions and outcomes are reported, States Parties will be encouraged to provide disaggregated data or to explain how such inclusiveness is ensured.

 

5. Although the Convention consistently utilizes the expression, ‘communities, groups and individuals’, several assessment factors, like some Operational Directives, choose to refer to ‘practitioners and bearers’ to better identify certain of their members who play a specific role with regards to their ICH.

6. In conformity with Chapter VI of the Operational Directives, ‘inclusive social development’ comprises food security, health care, gender equality, access to clean and safe water and sustainable water use; quality education is included within indicator 12. 7. In conformity with Chapter VI of the Operational Directives, ‘inclusive economic development’ comprises income generation and sustainable livelihoods, productive employment and decent work, and impact of tourism on the safeguarding of ICH and vice versa.

8. This indicator is monitored and reported only at the global level.

9. This indicator is monitored and reported only at the global level.