Dr. Maša Vukanović will participate, as a representative of the World Music Association of Serbia (WMAS), in the 11th Session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which will take place on 17–18 June 2026 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

Her participation follows an invitation from the UNESCO ICH NGO Forum, the international network of accredited non-governmental organizations actively engaged in the implementation of the Convention and the development of policies related to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

The General Assembly will address several key issues concerning the implementation of the Convention, including periodic reporting mechanisms, proposed amendments to the Operational Directives, the use of resources from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund, the accreditation of non-governmental organizations, and the election of new members of the Intergovernmental Committee.

In addition to attending the Assembly sessions, Dr. Vukanović will take part in meetings and activities organized by the UNESCO Secretariat and the UNESCO ICH NGO Forum, focusing on the exchange of experiences, networking with international partners, and gaining insight into current global practices in the field of safeguarding living heritage.

The World Music Association of Serbia is currently the only organization from Serbia accredited to the UNESCO ICH NGO Forum, enabling it to actively contribute to international processes that shape policies and practices for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.

Participation in this important international gathering provides an opportunity to present the experiences and activities of Serbia’s civil society sector, while also establishing new partnerships and strengthening cooperation with organizations and experts from around the world. The knowledge and contacts gained during the event will support WMAS’s future work with local communities, heritage bearers, and cultural institutions engaged in safeguarding and promoting intangible cultural heritage.

Dr. Vukanović’s participation in the UNESCO meeting further confirms the commitment of the World Music Association of Serbia to international cooperation, cultural diversity, and the preservation of living heritage.

LINK:

UNESCO ICH NGO Forum Website >>  ǀ