Paris: Cambodia has been elected as a member of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026-2030 term. The election took place 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. The event, which saw participation from 185 States Parties, was conducted on June 17-18.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Cambodian delegation attending the session was led by H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts and President of the Cambodian National Commission for UNESCO. The delegation also included H.E. Long Kosal, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Cambodia to UNESCO, along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, and the Cambodian National Commission for UNESCO.
The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was adopted by the UNESCO General Conference on October 17, 2003. Its objectives are to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage; ensure respect for the intangible cultural heritage of communities, groups, and individuals; raise awareness at local, national, and international levels of its importance; and provide for international cooperation and assistance.