Candidature 2022


SLOVAKIA


Candidature to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage for 2022–2026


Living Heritage for a Sustainable Future

In 2022 Slovakia shall present its candidature for 2022–2026 to the Intergovernmental Committee for Intangible Cultural Heritage at the elections to be held during the ninth session of the General Assembly of States Parties to the 2003 Convention. This candidature builds on our strong expertise in safeguarding our living heritage as a vital source of a sustainable way of living and the preservation of cultural diversity. Slovakia has relevant institutions, an expert platform, and a solid team of high-quality experts from the most diverse areas of ICH safeguarding. Slovak expert Ľubica Voľanská is a member of the Evaluation Body of the Intergovernmental Committee and has recently been elected its Chairwoman. Slovakia  ratified the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2006 but has never been a member of the Intergovernmental Committee. The equitable rotation of state parties in the Intergovernmental Committee is the best way to promote inclusiveness and diversity and to ensure a voice is given to communities all over the world.

Slovakia and intangible cultural heritage:

  • The safeguarding of ICH is based on a bottom-up process focusing on the needs of communities of bearers and the close cooperation of all stakeholders.
  • The sustainable development of the ICH is among the priorities of the Slovak government, as is stated in the Conception of Sustainable Development of ICH and Traditional Folk Culture for 2020–2025. It is embedded in formal and informal educational programmes on all levels.
  • The Slovak Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre is in charge of coordinating activities through inventorization, documentation, the creation of a public database of ICH (https://fondtlk.sk/sk/slukentry/, https://www.ludovakultura.sk/encyklopedia/), publications, educational activities, and the organization of innovative folk festival platforms and regional events.
  • The Ethnographic Society of Slovakia is a voluntary civic association which has had the accreditation to act in an advisory capacity to the committee since 2018.
  • Slovakia has seven elements inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Slovak experts participate in the preparation of multinational nominations and play key roles in international consortia.

Slovakia’s contribution to the Committee

  • sharing good practices and conditions for safeguarding ICH in Slovakia
  • sharing Slovakia’s competence in the field of digital monitoring in order to strengthen this tool in the implementation of the objectives of the Convention
  • contributing to the deepening of tolerance, mutual respect, and solidarity in the area of ICH
  • sharing experience in education related to ICH; in networks of out-of-school facilities, archives, and digitalization; and networks of non-governmental organizations
  • ensuring transparency of the listing mechanisms, expert recommendations, and specialized commissions without political interference
  • promoting the objectives of the Convention by supporting the international recognition of ICH as a vital factor in cultural identity, the promotion of creativity, and the preservation of cultural diversity
  • making information about living traditions more accessible to disadvantaged and marginalized population groups – people with special needs, seniors, children, and youth from socially disadvantaged environments
  • emphasizing gender equality
  • strengthening the use of ICH for environmental protection
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