The concept of intangible heritage extends over a wide field that includes oral tradition, traditional music, languages, the process of creation, skills and know-how, performing arts, festive events, rites and social practices, beliefs and practices related to nature.

With the phenomenon of globalization, these traditional forms of expression are threatened by a trend towards cultural uniformity. Nonetheless, the disappearance of this heritage would mean an impoverishment of the cultural diversity of our world.

In order to better safeguard these traditions, and in recognition of communities and groups as those who identify, enact, recreate and transmit the intangible or living heritage, the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was adoted in 2003.

In Afghanistan, the UNESCO Office in Kabul is supporting the Afghan Ministry of Information and Culture in mapping and documenting traditional music and while promoting the safeguarding of intangible heritage through awareness-raising activities.