Kingston, 14 December 2020 – More than 700 participants from 130 countries are registered to participate in the meeting of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage being chaired by the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange.

The meeting which will run from today (Monday, December 14) to Saturday, December 19 is being held online because of the ongoing covid-19 pandemic.

Minister Grange said:
“We had hoped to be welcoming you all to Jamaica for the Committee [but] this has not been possible due to the pandemic. However, as your Chairperson, I will do my best to convey to you the Jamaican warmth and hospitality so that you can all feel like you are with us here in Kingston. In short, let’s get together and feel alright."

The Committee will consider 40 requests for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Committee members will also have to decide on four nominations for inscription on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding; four projects being proposed for inclusion in the Register of Good Practices for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage; and examine two requests for international assistance submitted by Malawi and the Central African Republic. 

The opening session featured ‘Reggae Greetings from Jamaica’ - a special performance by Jamaican music stars including Peetah Morgan of Morgan Heritage, Marcia Griffiths, and Mykal Rose of Black Uhuru, appearing alongside the Inner Circle Band.

The Committee sessions will be broadcast online at https://ich.unesco.org/en/15com.

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