Thanks to the hard work of many members, the IOV entered into Operational Relations with UNESCO, in 1998. 

In recent years, new partnerships have been formed and older ones strengthened.
IOV, as well as UNESCO, wants to safeguard the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the world. 

In this spirit IOV develops activities such as festivals, congresses, conferences, workshops, covering the different elements of ICH such as traditional dance, music, handicrafts, traditional cuisine, traditional medicine and others.

UNESCO

What’s UNESCO?

UNESCO is responsible for coordinating international cooperation in education, science, culture and communication. It strengthens the ties between nations and societies, and mobilizes the wider public so that each child and citizen:

  • has access to quality education; a basic human right and an indispensable prerequisite for sustainable development;
  • may grow and live in a cultural environment rich in diversity and dialogue, where heritage serves as a bridge between generations and peoples;
  • can fully benefit from scientific advances;
  • and can enjoy full freedom of expression; the basis of democracy, development and human dignity.
 
 

UNESCO’s messages are of increasing importance today, in a globalized world where interconnections and diversity must serve as opportunities to build peace in the minds of men and women.

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IOV and UNESCO

Thanks to the hard work of many members, the IOV entered into Operational Relations with UNESCO, in 1998. In recent years, new partnerships have been formed and older ones strengthened.

The relationship of IOV World with UNESCO & ICH developed as follows:

  • 1983: IOV was recognized with Status C by UNESCO and was accepted as a member to this Organization of the United Nations
  • 1990: at its 134th meeting, the UNESCO Executive Board passed a resolution to classify the IOV in category B (for information and consultative relations with UNESCO)
  • 1998: IOV enters into Operational Relations with UNESCO
  • 2010: UNESCO accredits IOV as a Consultant to the Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
  • 2011: UNESCO reclassifies IOV to Formal Consultative Relations
  • 2012: IOV enters Special Consultative Relations with The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
  • 2015: The tenth session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) was held in Windhoek, Namibia, from 30 November to 4 December 2015. The Committee decided to maintain for 4 years, the accreditation of IOV World, to provide advisory services to Intergovernmental Committee for the safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

  • 2019:  The Operational Directives of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage maintains the accreditation of the organization to provide advisory services to it, after reviewing its 2019 quadrennial report.