For centuries, phenomenon of intangible cultural heritage was a key factor for transmission of indigenous cultural traditions for future generations as well as a matching point for intercultural dialogue in Central Asia – countries with unique oral and music traditions. The process of socio-economic and cultural transformation observed in modern Central Asian states after becoming independent in 1991 had also affected the state of the intangible cultural heritage, including changes in funding, expertise and management. With independence, serious challenges of safeguarding of ICH have come in the wake of these changes. Whereas under Soviet time the culture sector enjoyed state funding, together with an importance in state planning and a certain level of prestige, under free-market conditions this is no longer the case. Yet with these challenges have come new opportunities, particularly in such fields as revival of cultural traditions, sharing of expertise between international and regional experts and in better identification, inventory and safeguarding of cultural heritage of humanity. After collapsing Soviet Union all Central Asian countries as independent countries joined the country-membership of UNESCO and participated in its international projects. This step created new possibilities of international cooperation in the field of and safeguarding cultural heritage and transmission to young generation. In recent years UNESCO in close cooperation with international institutes, category 2 centres and Central Asian countries has acquired a great deal of experience as the coordinator of the often complex pilot projects for safeguarding and revitalization of Central Asia’s rich intangible cultural heritage.