UNESCO Reinforcing Strategic Objectives in Its Culture Mandate

　　Ⅲ. UNESCO's action in favour of intangible heritage

　　As the guardian of cultural heritage, UNESCO seeks to extend that concept by promoting the oral and intangible heritage, in a geographically balanced way. For the last 20 years, UNESCO has been at the forefront of oral and intangible heritage preservation with an international instrument, programmes and publications including:

　　Recommendation on the Safeguarding of Traditional Culture and Folklore (1989);
Living Human Treasures System;
Collection of Traditional Music of the World;
Handbook for the Collection of Traditional Music and Musical Instruments;
Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger of Disappearing;
Intergovernmental Conference on African Language Policies.

　　When the General Conference decided that an international distinction entitled "Proclamation by UNESCO of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" should be created, it reaffirmed UNESCO's commitment to cultural heritage. The new proclamation programme has reinforced strategic objectives in its culture mandate:

　　" Promoting the preparation and implementation of standard-setting instruments in the field of culture;

　　" Protecting cultural diversity and encouraging pluralism and dialogue between cultures and civilizations;

　　" Enhancing the links between culture and development through capacity-building and sharing of knowledge.