ICHCAP

ICHCAP held its 2025 Governing Board Meeting on 14 November 2025.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format, combining both in-person and virtual participation. Domestic Board members and the Auditor, including Chairperson Mr. Huh Min (Administrator of the Korea Heritage Service), attended the meeting on-site, while overseas Board members participated via video conference, engaging in in-depth discussions on the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage in the Asia-Pacific region.

The agenda for this session included seven reporting items and three items for examination and approval. Reporting items covered changes in Board members, results of the Executive Committees, results of the 2024 Extraordinary Session of the Governing Board Meeting, 2024 closing account and audit report, 2025 program progress report, and the progress report on the renewal of Agreement. Items submitted for examination and approval included the appointment of a new Auditor, revision of the Operational Rules of the Governing Board, and the 2026 Work Plan and Budget.

In particular, the Board members spoke highly of the Centre`s report on the 2025 projects progress. The detailed presentation, which enhanced the Board`s understanding of the programs and activities, received positive feedback. Members also commended the Centre for faithfully reflecting UNESCO’s key priority themes—such as climate change, education, the economic dimensions of heritage, and an integrated approach to tangible and intangible cultural heritage—into its respective projects. Furthermore, the Centre’s efforts to establish active partnerships with other UNESCO Category 2 Centres were highlighted as an exemplary practice.

Moving forward, ICHCAP plans to actively incorporate the feedback and suggestions provided by the Board members during this meeting into the 2026 Work Plan. By doing so, ICHCAP aims to concretize its strategies and maximize the impact of its activities for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage in the Asia-Pacific region.