New Delhi: A pivotal UNESCO conference on protecting intangible cultural heritage (ICH) at Delhi's Red Fort will conclude on Saturday, with the committee incorporating 67 fresh living heritage practices from multiple nations across the almost week-long gathering.

The subsequent session of the Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage will take place in December 2026 in China's Xiamen city, according to a senior UNESCO official on Friday.

India organised the evening closing event at the temporary Plenary Hall pavilion within the fort premises, as participants gear up for sightseeing on Saturday, following days of rigorous deliberations.

This marked the inaugural hosting of the session in India, utilising the Red Fort—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—as the venue.

Fumiko Ohinata, Secretary of the UNESCO 2003 Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage, called the Mughal-era fort complex a "magnificent backdrop" during her closing address.

The iconic Mughal structure boasts imposing fortified walls. "We enjoyed all India moments," Ohinata remarked.

In a later interaction with PTI, she confirmed the next IGC session in China.

Over December 9-11, 67 cultural practices gained inclusion on UNESCO's intangible heritage lists, encompassing India's Deepavali, Iran's art of mirror-work in Persian architecture, the UAE's traditional performing arts fused with oral traditions, and Switzerland's yodelling.

Nearly 80 countries submitted nominations.

UNESCO's statement noted that the 24 committee member states reviewed 67 living heritage elements during the week: 11 added to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding; 53 to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity; and one program to the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices.

Additionally, two elements shifted from the Urgent Safeguarding List to the Representative List due to effective protection measures since inscription, with their safeguarding programs joining the Good Practices Register.

These additions bring the total to 849 cultural practices from 157 countries on UNESCO's living heritage lists.

"Fragile yet essential, living heritage remains a pillar of cultural diversity in a world that can at times feel fragmented and divided. Living, creative, and carried by communities, it reminds us of what binds us together," UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany stated in the release.

"Let us keep alive the hope that unites us today: to share knowledge, strengthen connections, and build bridges across borders," he urged.

The 20th session commenced on December 8, with the opening ceremony on December 7 graced by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as the chief guest.

"We have reaffirmed the extraordinary diversity, creativity, and living wisdom of communities across the world. Each inscription is not merely an addition to a list but a renewed commitment to safeguarding practices that give meaning, identity, and continuity to human societies," said India's Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Vishal V Sharma, at the closing.

Union Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal emphasised that the session underscored intangible heritage's role in "sustaining communities, nurturing continuity and fortifying social cohesion, particularly at a time when globalisation, conflict and climate pressure challenge our cultural ecosystems".

UNESCO highlighted that over 1,400 participants made this the largest committee session yet, signalling rising global priority for ICH protection.

Nine multinational nominations from 28 countries featured among this year's entries.

"This 2025 session also marked the first inscription for seven countries -- Barbados, Chad, the Comoros, El Salvador, Gabon, Libya, and São Tomé and Principe.

"These inscriptions reflect the growing role of the convention in strengthening dialogue and cooperation between states, as well as their shared ambition to promote the safeguarding of living heritage," it added.

Africa demonstrated steadfast engagement with nine elements inscribed by 13 countries.

Marlen Meissner of the German Commission for UNESCO shared that she would return home with cherished memories.

"It would be the people and the richness of culture, the different traditions we've seen here... So, it's the warm-heartedness and the diversity of people (we will take back home)," she told PTI.

Her colleague Nina Dederichs from the German Commission for UNESCO praised the Red Fort's "breathtaking" architecture, adding she relished her India visit, exploring markets and tasting local food.

With inputs from PTI