Kyiv Gains Key Role in UNESCO Cultural Heritage Governance
Ukraine has been elected as Vice-Chair of the Bureau of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage for one year.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.
On December 12, during the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee in New Delhi, India, Ukraine received this honorary position, which allows it to shape the Committee’s agenda, propose new decisions, initiate projects, and develop joint positions of member states for decision-making.
According to Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy and Minister of Culture Tetiana Berezhna, this role enables Ukraine to effectively represent its cultural heritage globally, even under the difficult conditions of threats from the aggressor.
Ukraine ratified the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008. Currently, seven elements of intangible heritage from Ukraine are included in the International Lists, and two more elements — the “Christmas Eve Tradition in Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine” and the “Pastoral, Seasonal Cattle Drive” — will be considered next year during the Committee’s session in China.
"The position of Deputy Chair of the Bureau opens up broad opportunities for Ukraine: to shape the Committee's agenda, propose new solutions, initiate future projects, and develop common positions of participating states for further consideration and decision-making," said Tetiana Berezhna. "This role allows us to be an active voice in shaping global cultural policy and strengthening Ukraine's international position."
It is worth noting that the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage began on December 8, with the Ukrainian delegation headed by Deputy Minister of Culture Ivan Verbytsky.
During the session, the Committee reviewed the Secretariat’s report on its activities, including support provided to Ukraine in emergency situations. The Committee also approved Ukraine’s periodic report on the element “Cossack Songs of Dnipropetrovsk Region,” recognizing the active efforts to safeguard it despite military threats.
The session also highlighted that the Ministry of Culture and civil society organizations, including the Center “Democracy through Culture” and “Women Plus,” create proper conditions for communities, raise awareness about heritage, and advocate for it at the international level.
Earlier, Ukraine has been elected to the UNESCO Executive Board for 2025–2029 with a record 137 votes, marking a significant diplomatic achievement. The election highlighted international trust in Ukraine and recognition of its active role in education, science, culture, and heritage protection. Membership on the Board allows Ukraine to strengthen global cooperation, safeguard cultural heritage under threat, and advance its initiatives on the international stage.
As The Gaze previously reported, UNESCO has added 19 additional Ukrainian cultural landmarks to its International List of Cultural Property under Enhanced Protection.