Preparation for the welcoming of a new year has been always a very important set of activities. People beforehand prepare and clean their households, clear the ditches, wear new elegant clothing, prepare rich variety of foods for Dastarkhan (holiday table with dishes). Rich abundance of food is prepared during the celebration of Nauryz. Festive Dastarkhan is served in every house symbolizing prosperity and abundance. Prior and after the meal mullah reads prayers in the honor of ancestors. then eldest man gives out his blessing "Bata"with wishes of a happy new year. The main festive dish on Dastarkhan is a traditional meal called Nauryz kozhe (Nauryz porridge) that includes seven sacral ingredients: water, meat, salt, mutton lard, flour, cereals and milk. Seven components of Nauryz kozhe symbolize seven elements of life. Big pot for cooking Nauryz kozhe symbolizez unity. Nauryz holiday is always accompanied by mass fun and outdoor activities. swinging on Altybakan swings, and engagement in sports competition: wrestling, horse riding games, Aitys (singers contest) and other music competitions.

Preparation for the welcoming of a new year has been always a very important set of activities. People beforehand prepare and clean their households, clear the ditches, wear new elegant clothing, prepare rich variety of foods for Dastarkhan (holiday table with dishes). Rich abundance of food is prepared during the celebration of Nauryz. Festive Dastarkhan is served in every house symbolizing prosperity and abundance. Prior and after the meal mullah reads prayers in the honor of ancestors. then eldest man gives out his blessing 'Bata' with wishes of a happy new year. The main festive dish on Dastarkhan is a traditional meal called Nauryz kozhe (Nauryz porridge) that includes seven sacral ingredients: water, meat, salt, mutton lard, flour, cereals and milk. Seven components of Nauryz kozhe symbolize seven elements of life. Big pot for cooking Nauryz kozhe symbolizez unity. Nauryz holiday is always accompanied by mass fun and outdoor activities. swinging on Altybakan swings, and engagement in sports competition: wrestling, horse riding games, Aitys (singers contest) and other music competitions.

Preparation for the welcoming of a new year has been always a very important set of activities. People beforehand prepare and clean their households, clear the ditches, wear new elegant clothing, prepare rich variety of foods for Dastarkhan (holiday table with dishes). Rich abundance of food is prepared during the celebration of Nauryz. Festive Dastarkhan is served in every house symbolizing prosperity and abundance. Prior and after the meal mullah reads prayers in the honor of ancestors. then eldest man gives out his blessing 'Bata' with wishes of a happy new year. The main festive dish on Dastarkhan is a traditional meal called Nauryz kozhe (Nauryz porridge) that includes seven sacral ingredients: water, meat, salt, mutton lard, flour, cereals and milk. Seven components of Nauryz kozhe symbolize seven elements of life. Big pot for cooking Nauryz kozhe symbolizez unity. Nauryz holiday is always accompanied by mass fun and outdoor activities. swinging on Altybakan swings, and engagement in sports competition: wrestling, horse riding games, Aitys (singers contest) and other music competitions.

Palov culture and traditions have been included into the “Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” in 2016.Palow (or osh) is the most beloved and highly regarded food among Uzbeks. It is spread in all regions of Uzbekistan. Palow accompanies Uzbeks throughout their lives. It is prepared on different occasions. These are: on the occasion of the birth of the first child (aqiqa oshi); on the occasion of circumcision ceremony (sunnat toyi oshi); on the occasion of engagement ceremony (fotiha toyi oshi); on the occasion of seeing off a bride to the house of a groom (qiz oshi);in connection with wedding, for men only (nikoh oshi); in connection with wedding, for women only (khotin oshi);after wedding,only for friends of a groom ( k u y o v o s h i ) ; o n the occasion of child’s birth and carrying out “ b e s h i k k a s o l - ish” ritual (beshik toyi oshi); on the occasion of commemoration of the deceased (ehson oshi); on the occasion of anniversary of death day (yiloshi). Thus it serves to unite people for different events.

This documentary explores the cultural and spiritual significance of Uma Lulik (Sacred Houses) in Timor-Leste, which serve as powerful symbols of Timorese identity passed down through generations. These sacred houses are often located in high, remote areas—both for protection and to maintain spiritual connection—and are key centers for preserving tangible and intangible cultural heritage, such as sacred water sources, stones, tombs, and rituals.\n\nThe film highlights the distinct architectural features of Uma Lulik, such as the male and female wooden pillars (Ai-rin Mane and Ai-rin Feto), which carry profound cultural meanings. It explains the differences between Uma Lulik and Uma Fukun—supporting clan houses—and Uma To’os, sacred houses used by Timorese communities living in urban areas like Dili.\n\nThrough interviews with cultural custodians like Tiu Eugénio J. Sarmento and Tiu João dos Santos Hohulu, viewers gain insights into construction rituals, traditional ceremonies, and the symbolic meanings embedded in the sacred architecture. These include elaborate community efforts to transport and erect wooden pillars, sacrificial offerings, and spiritual dances that mark the creation of Uma Lulik.\n\nThe video also features the Knua Lulik Hohulu in Fatubessi, a living example of cultural continuity, where traditions are upheld by local leaders through collective roles and ancestral knowledge.\n\nFinally, the documentary emphasizes the efforts of the Government of Timor-Leste, particularly through the Secretary of State for Arts and Culture, to safeguard and promote sacred cultural sites. Through active community engagement and support for traditional practices, these initiatives aim to ensure the intergenerational transmission of cultural memory and identity, while also encouraging cultural tourism.

Palav culture and traditions have been included into the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. Palov (or Osh) is the most beloved and highly regarded food among Uzbeks. It is spread in all regions of Uzbekistan. Palov accompanies Uzbeks throughout their lives. It is prepared on different occasions. These are: on the occasion of the birth of the first child (aqiqa); on the occasion of circumcision ceremony (sunnat toyi); on the occasion of engagement ceremony (fotiha oshi); on the occasion of seeing off a bride to the house of a groom (qiz oshi); in connection with wedding, for men only (nikah oshi); in connection with wedding, for women only (khotin oshi); after wedding, only for friends of a groom (kuyav oshi); on the occasion of child’s birth and carrying out “ beshikkasolish” ritual (beshik toyi oshi); on the occasion of commemoration of the deceased (ehsan oshi); on the occasion of anniversary of death day (yiloshi). Thus it serves to unite people for different events.

The profound difficulties international ICH community faces during the Corona pandemic is truly worrisome. For the NGOs of Korea, the common factor in dealing with the pandemic was for the ICH communities to absorb online activities and become fluent in online platforms for ICH safeguarding. But Bridging the digital gap is still remaining. So Hanhee Hahm, presented experience of COVID-19 and engagement of her with the ICH Community and counter measures against the pandemic society.

All aspects of curriculum development at the University of the South Pacific requires intra-regional work especially within and across our 12 member countries. These are Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. This engagement includes both the needs assessment and endorsement of new courses and programmes. For the Professional Certificate, the UNESCO Pacific Heritage Hub Steering committee and UNESCO Apia Office were also instrumental in development. The programme design and proposed courses and structure were also presented at the 2016 and 2018 Council of Pacific Arts Meeting and the Pacific Culture Minister’s Meetings held in Guam and Fiji Respectively. We have not thus far leaned into inter-regional cooperation but are exploring the potential for this after the first roll out of the programme to determine what opportunities might exist for inter-regional cooperation and exchange. Dr Frances C Koya Vaka’uta talks about strengthening heritage management capacity in the Pacific Islands. \n\nASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR. FRANCES C. KOYA VAKA’UTA is Director of the Oceania Center for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies and the Pacific Heritage Hub, at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Suva.

Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is transnational in nature. It is necessary to spread the perception that ICH transcends geographical spaces and national borders, creating dynamic relations, connectedness, and continuity, which is why it is a timeless bearer of cultural diversity, the foundation of the heritage of humanity. However, as the modern structure of nation-state determines the boundaries of culture with national borders, forming the concept of “culture within the country”, subsequently led to the perception that the ownership of culture belongs to the state.\n\nThe concept of exclusive ownership of culture is often controversial in the UNESCO listing process, particularly in instances where cultural heritage and cultural domains have been shared for a long time by two or more nation-states. Such conflicts lead to excessive competition for nomination, overshadowing UNESCO’s fundamental purpose of contributing to peace and security in the world by promoting collaboration among nations, as well as the very spirit of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage that promotes international cooperation and assistance in the safeguarding of ICH as a matter of general interest to humanity.\n\nConsequently, UNESCO encourages multinational inscriptions of shared intangible cultural heritage to promote regional cooperation and international safeguarding activities, preventing conflicts among countries and coping with already existing ones. By emphasizing joint nominations of shared ICH, UNESCO revised its implementation guidelines three times to deal with conflicts between countries due to the cultural property rights. In addition, States Parties are encouraged to develop networks among relevant communities, experts, professional centres, and research institutes, particularly with regard to their ICH, to cooperate at the sub-regional and regional levels.\n\nAt the 13th Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in the Republic of Mauritius in November 2018, Traditional Korean Wrestling was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as the first joint designation by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Republic of Korea. This milestone in the life of the Convention demonstrates that ICH contributes to the peace-building, reconciliation, mutual understanding, and solidarity among peoples. Indeed, only when acknowledging that shared cultural values are empowering characteristics of ICH, the true perspective of the unifying agent of the cultural diversity can be achieved, and that it is the cornerstone of reaching peace among nations.\n\nCountries in the Asia Pacific region are deeply connected by a long history of interactions, exchanges, flows of people, goods, and ideas that have shaped shared values, practices, and traditions. Having a balanced view, advocating for cultural diversity, and recognizing the commonalities among individuals, communities, and countries as a strength are virtuous tenets in the present time.\n\nIn this regard, APHEN-ICH Secretariat, ICHCAP, and UNESCO Bangkok Office are inviting the APHEN-ICH member institutes and public to this seminar under the theme of Diversity and Distinctiveness: Looking into the Shared ICH in the Asia-Pacific, to re-assess that while fragile, intangible cultural heritage is an important factor in maintaining cultural diversity, connecting bounds, and enhancing international dialogue and peace.

Online Seminar on Cultural Diversity and Global Citizenship Education (GCED) was organized to think about the importance of having a better grasp of how ICH and cultural diversity bring our students, teachers, and schools closer to quality education, particularly when we make our efforts toward global citizenship education.\n\nSession1: Cultural Diversity Education through Cultural Heritage\n1. Education Policy and Current Status for Cultural Diversity in the Republic of Korea\n2. 'Integrating ICH in education for the Promotion of Cultural Diversity' by Ms. Duong Bich Hanh, Program Specialist for Culture Unit, UNESCO Bangkok Office\n3. 'Education for Cultural Diversity in Museum' by Ms. Eunmi Yi, Curator, National Museum of Korea\n4. 'Cultural Diversity Education for the Integration of the Multi-ethnic Society' by Ms. Josephine Jalleh, Manager, Department of Communication and Cooperation George Town World Heritage Inc.\n\nSession2: Global Citizenship Education (GCED) in Primary Education\n1. 'GCED in the Primary Education System in the Republic of Korea' by Dr. Utak Chung, Former Director-General of APCEIU\n2. 'Building Human-being’s Creative Ability through GCED' by Ms. Sophea Bun, Primary School Principal, Cambodia\n3. 'Case study – Peace Education in the Primary School Education System' by Ms. Sophea Bun, Primary School Principal, Cambodia\n4. 'Case Study – Teachers Training Course for GCED in Worldvision' by Ms. Sang Eun Nam, Advocacy & Public Engagement Director, Worldvision Korea\n

On 12 and 13 November 2020, ICHCAP and the ICH NGO Forum virtually held the 2020 ICH NGO Conference entitled “ICH and Resilience in Crisis.” The fifteen participants, including eleven selected presenters from ten countries around the world, discussed various cases and activities of each country applied under the Corona-era, and proposed solidarity for the resilience of ICH for a ‘New Normal.’\n\nSession 1: In the Vortex: COVID-19 Era, Roles of NGOs to Safeguard ICH\n\nSpecial Lecture 1: 'Resilience System Analysis' by Roberto Martinez Yllescas, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Mexico\n1. 'Uncovering the veil of immaterial cultural heritage towards and autonomous management of well-being as well as cultural and territorial preservation' by Carolina Bermúdez, Fundación Etnollano\n2. 'Holistic Development Model of Community-Based Intangible Cultural Heritage of Yuen Long District in Hong Kong of China' by Kai-kwong Choi, Life Encouraging Fund \n3. 'Indigenous Knowledge System as a vector in combating COVID-19' by Allington Ndlovu, Amagugu International Heritage Centre\n4. 'Enlivening Dyeing Tradition and ICH: The initiative of ARHI in North East of India' by Dibya Jyoti Borah, President, ARHI\n\nSession 2: Homo Ludens vs. Home Ludens: Changed Features COVID-19 Brought\n\n1. 'The Popular Reaction to COVID-19 from the Intangible Cultural Heritage among Member Cities of the ICCN' by Julio Nacher, ICCN Secretariat, Algemesi, Spain\n2. 'Innovation for Arts and Cultural Education Amid a Pandemic' by Jeff M. Poulin, Creative Generation\n3. 'Promoting Heritage Education through Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Kalasha Valleys of Pakistan' by Ghiasuddin Pir & Meeza Ubaid, THAAP\n4. 'Shifting to Online Activities: Digital Divide among the NGOs and ICH Communities in Korea' by Hanhee Hahm CICS\n\nSession 3: Consilience: Prototype vs. Archetype for Educational Source\n\nSpecial Lecture 2: 'Geographical imbalance: the challenge of getting a more balanced representation of accredited non-governmental organizations under the 2003 Convention' by Matti Hakamäki, Finnish Folk Music Institute\n1. 'Crafting a Post Covid-19 World: Building Greater Resilience in the Crafts Sector through Strengthening Ties with its Community’s Cultural System' by Joseph Lo, World Crafts Council International\n2. 'Arts and Influence: Untangling Corporate Engagement in the Cultural Sector' by Nicholas Pozek, Asian Legal Programs, Columbia University\n3. 'ICH in the South-Western Alps: Empowering Communities through Youth Education on Nature and Cultural Practices' by Alessio Re & Giulia Avanza, Santagata Foundation for the Economy of Culture\n\n

ICH Courier is the quarterly magazine on ICH in the Asia-Pacific region issued by ICHCAP since 2009. Every issue has its own theme under the title of the Windows to ICH, and the theme of the Vol 42 is 'ICH FESTIVALS ON THE SILK ROAD.'

ICHCAP, together with the Digital Heritage Lab, Graduate School of Culture Technology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, organized an international seminar entitle “Protecting the Past for the Future: Digital Documentation as One of the Imperative Tools for Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage,” 20 July 2019.\n\nThe seminar consisted of three sessions: the first covered the archiving and visualization of intangible cultural heritage; the second focused on digital documentation methods for tangible cultural heritage; and the third discussed the challenges faced by Korea in establishing cultural heritage-related digital data.

When we were young, we were told a lot of stories. Everyone hated the big, vicious, evil, and cunning animals. However, seen through grown-up eyes, there are no bad animals in the world. Animals personified in stories convey a message to the human world-that of peace and harmony. At a time when a message of peace is desperately needed, let’s enjoy some stories featuring various animals, from tigers to birds, rabbits, monkeys, and more.

ICH Courier is the quarterly magazine on ICH in the Asia-Pacific region issued by ICHCAP since 2009. Every issue has its own theme under the title of the Windows to ICH, and the theme of the Vol 29 is 'Traditional Shipbuilding Techniques.'