From 7 to 13 December 2025, Aigine CRC took part in events held in New Delhi, India, within the framework of the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage under the 2003 Convention.
Symposium “Leaving No One Behind”
On 7 December, ahead of the official opening of the session, Aigine CRC participated in the symposium of the ICH NGO Forum entitled “Leaving No One Behind.” The symposium focused on inclusion in living heritage, with particular attention to the involvement of people with disabilities in the practice and safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage. Participants shared ideas and successful experiences, highlighting how traditions, skills, and cultural practices help people feel part of their communities and strengthen social cohesion. The event became a space for dialogue and collective reflection on how to make heritage more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee
On 8 December, the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage officially started in New Delhi. During the session, the process of inscribing new elements into UNESCO’s Lists under the 2003 Convention began. One of the expected outcomes of the session was the examination of the nomination of maksym, the traditional Kyrgyz beverage, for possible inscription on the Representative List.
Networking and international cooperation
On the second day of the session, the Aigine team held several networking meetings. Among them was a meeting with Dr. Joshi, Head of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, operating under the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views and discussed potential areas of cooperation related to research on the intangible dimensions of petroglyph heritage in Kyrgyzstan and India.
Inscription of maksym on the Representative List
During the 20th session, maksym — the traditional Kyrgyz beverage — was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity under the 2003 Convention. This marked an important recognition of Kyrgyz living heritage at the international level.
