About the Network

Message from the Chair of the Governing Council In today’s rapidly evolving world, where cultural interconnectedness has become both a necessity and a shared responsibility, building strong networks among stakeholders in the field of intangible cultural heritage is a strategic imperative. Networking is no longer a supplementary activity; it is a transformative force that strengthens cooperation, facilitates the exchange of valuable experiences, and promotes culturally grounded approaches to sustainable development and community resilience. It is with this conviction that we are proud to introduce this dedicated digital platform, designed to foster networking and collaboration among non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based actors engaged in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to establishing an inclusive, collaborative, and knowledge-rich environment in which successful experiences and good practices are not only documented and preserved but also actively exchanged, further developed, and shared. By connecting individuals and organizations that have implemented innovative safeguarding initiatives across different regions, languages, and cultural contexts, this platform provides a dynamic space for intercultural dialogue, capacity-building, and mutual learning. In doing so, it contributes to advancing the fundamental principles of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, particularly community participation, international cooperation, and the intergenerational transmission of living heritage. We firmly believe that this platform has the potential to serve as a catalyst for empowering local communities, enriching cultural policy development, and strengthening the collective capacity of intangible cultural heritage stakeholders to address shared global challenges in meaningful, culturally sensitive, and effective ways. We warmly invite all those involved in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage—including NGOs, cultural practitioners, heritage bearers, experts, and partner institutions—to actively participate in the development of this evolving platform. Through our collective engagement, we can help establish it as a trusted international reference point for solidarity, innovation, knowledge exchange, and the celebration and safeguarding of humanity’s rich intangible cultural heritage. Chair of the Governing CouncilRegional Research Centre for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in West and Central Asia under the Auspices of UNESCO(Tehran ICH Centre)