From 4 to 5 July 2023, the Open-ended intergovernmental working group in the framework of the reflection on a broader implementation of Article 18 of the 2003 Convention gathered at UNESCO Headquarters to explore how to fully encourage the sharing of safeguarding experiences more broadly. This includes the further operationalization of the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices as well as the possibility of establishing an online ‘platform’ for sharing safeguarding experiences by communities around the world and other stakeholders of the Convention. The reflection process was generously supported by Sweden.

Chaired by Mr Martin Sundin, Director-General of the Institute for Language and Folklore (Sweden), the meeting was attended by 313 participants from all regions, including representatives from 98 States Parties and 50 accredited non-governmental organizations. Following two days of discussions, the working group adopted a series of recommendations that lay the ground for further intergovernmental discussions at the eighteenth session of the Intergovernmental Committee (4 to 9 December 2023, Kasane, Republic of Botswana).

Further information on the working group and recommendations to the Committee are available on the dedicated webpage:

Open-ended intergovernmental working group in the framework of the reflection on a broader implementation of Article 18 of the Convention - intangible heritage - Culture Sector - UNESCO