Cambodia Elected to UNESCO Intangible Heritage Committee

PARIS, June 18, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has secured a seat on UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026‑2030 term, officials said Wednesday, marking a boost to the country’s cultural diplomacy.

The election was held during the 11th General Assembly of States Parties to the 2003 Convention, convened at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on June 17‑18.

Delegates from 185 member states took part in the session, which oversees global efforts to protect traditions, rituals and practices that form part of humanity’s intangible heritage.

Cambodia’s delegation was led by Culture and Fine Arts Minister Phoeurng Sackona, who also chairs the Cambodian National Commission for UNESCO.

She was joined by Ambassador Long Kosal, the country’s permanent delegate to UNESCO, and representatives from the foreign ministry, the culture ministry and the national commission.

Prime Minister Hun Manet welcomed the outcome, congratulating the delegation for securing the four‑year mandate and underscoring Cambodia’s commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage as part of its broader international engagement.

The membership of the committee will allow Cambodia to play a more active role in shaping policies and programs under the 2003 Convention, while sharing its own experience in preserving intangible heritage such as traditional dance, music, crafts and oral traditions.

The committee is tasked with promoting the objectives of the convention, examining nominations for inscription on UNESCO’s intangible heritage lists, and supporting measures to ensure the transmission of cultural practices to future generations.