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The UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was established within the context of the 32nd session of the UNESCO General Conference of 2003 and constitutes one of the organization’s seven conventions with regard to culture.

The main objectives of this Convention are:

  • to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage,
  • to ensure respect for the intangible cultural heritage of the communities, groups and individuals concerned,
  • to raise awareness at the local, national and international levels of the importance of the intangible cultural heritage, and of ensuring mutual appreciation thereof,
  • and to provide for international cooperation and assistance.

Within the framework of the Austrian Commission for UNESCO, the National Agency for the Intangible Cultural Heritage is responsible for the implementation of the convention and the drawing up of the national inventory of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Austria.