On 26 November 2024, the International Training Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (CRIHAP) held the ‘Release Ceremony of Selected Cases on ICH Safeguarding for Sustainable Development in the Asia-Pacific Region 2024’ in Beijing, China. The ceremony was organized to present the 27 representative cases (25 from China, one from Indonesia, and one from Cambodia) selected in CRIHAP’s ‘Open Call for Cases on ICH Safeguarding for Sustainable Development from the Asia-Pacific Region’. IRCI supported this open call earlier this year with the expectation that it would provide valuable resources for investigating issues relating to intangible cultural heritage (ICH) and sustainable development.

Two staff members of IRCI attended the ceremony, which featured the presentation of certificates to the representatives of the practitioners’ group of each case, as well as introductions to and performances by outstanding cases. The selection of cases showcased a diverse range of activities and projects carried out by communities and institutions to promote sustainable development through ICH safeguarding.

The event was a valuable opportunity for IRCI to strengthen its collaborative ties with Category 2 Centres in East Asia and experts in ICH.