NGO forums on the occasion of Committee sessions
ICH NGO Forum
The ICH NGO Forum is a platform for communication, networking, exchange and cooperation by and for non-governmental organizations accredited to provide advisory services to the Intergovernmental Committee in the framework of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. More information on the ICH NGO Forum and its activities can be found on their homepage: http://www.ichngoforum.org
ICH NGO Symposium
Since 2012, the ICH NGO forum organizes every year a thematic symposium, which is held on the eve of the annual Session of the Intergovernmental Committee. The main objective of this half-day session is to share information, exchange on good safeguarding practices and international initiatives, network between the representatives of NGOs and State Parties, and welcome newly accredited NGO delegates. The second half of the day is usually dedicated to an annual plenary meeting for the accredited NGOs, which focuses on internal and organizational issues of the Forum. The ICH NGO Forum’s working groups are also organizing several daily working sessions during the week of the Committee Meeting.
- 2017 Symposium, 12.COM: ‘Traditional medicine, sharing experiences from the field’- 5 December 2017, Jeju, Republic of Korea. The ICH NGO Forum has this year organized a three-day capacity-building workshop for accredited NGOs from 1 to 3 December in the ICC Jeju. The annual plenary meeting was held on 4 December and other meetings were held according to the detailed agenda.
- 2016 Symposium, 11.COM: ‘Challenges for NGOs in the promotion of ICH values’ - 27 November 2016, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The 2016 General Assembly of the 2003 Convention has introduced several new Operational directives related to sustainable development, ethical principles. The 2016 symposium addressed the different challenges related to safeguarding, with a view to strengthening capacity building, respect for the environment and, above all, inclusive economic opportunities.