Rolando Cocom, Director of the Institute for Social and Cultural Research (ISCR) at NICH, participated in the UNESCO Expert Meeting on Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in Urban Contexts, being held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
The gathering brings together heritage experts from around the world to explore how living traditions such as oral practices, rituals, and festivals can be protected in rapidly urbanising environments.
The aim is to develop concrete policy guidance for states and stakeholders, in line with the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
According to NICH, Cocom’s presentation “highlighted Belize’s experiences with community-based safeguarding in our cities and towns. To date, Belize’s national inventory has featured various cultural celebrations such as Yurumein, Bram, Finados, Carnaval, and Bram, among others. His key message is that despite the many challenges, towns and cities can be powerful spaces for living heritage—when cultural leaders and communities are engaged, included, and supported.
The Paris meeting represents the first phase of a two-part initiative. A follow-up session will be held online from September 18–19, 2025, to finalise a draft guidance note. The recommendations developed from this global consultation will be presented to the Intergovernmental Committee at its 20th session, scheduled for December 8–13, 2025, in New Delhi, India.