The Evolution of the 2003 Convention and the Challenges Facing the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Arab World

Abstract

The 32nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO adopted the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage on October 17, 2003. Twenty years after, comes the opportunity for UNESCO, Member States and all stakeholders involved in safeguarding living heritage to show that heritage belongs to everyone.

This anniversary is an occasion to emphasize the role that the Convention played in raising awareness among communities and States regarding the richness and diversity of the cultural heritage among populations and the efforts made by governments.

The Convention was an important step in the material recognition and preservation of cultural practices and traditions around the world. Since its adoption, it has seen an important evolution adapted to the changing needs of groups and societies. Going through several steps, it has hardly worked for the unification and simplification of safeguarding mechanisms, protection measures, with an inventory which transcribes all the stages of cultural practices in order to consolidate their mode of transmission.

Today, it focuses more on cultural diversity and better visibility of shared heritage, with the diversity and richness of their practices. It also seeks to integrate new forms of practices and demonstrates the importance of heritage diversity with common files between countries.

It is clear that the Convention has become a comprehensive, participatory and dynamic tool for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage at the global level.

However, the Arab countries that are most enthusiastic and interested in the agreement remain low in terms of contribution and their participation is minimal compared to the rest of the world. What is the reason for this weakness? How can it be fixed? After considerable thought, these questions may begin to find answers.