Dear Colleagues, Partners, and Friends,
As we reflect on the past year, we are proud to share the significant strides we have made in analysing, safeguarding and promoting intangible cultural heritage (ICH) within public and global governance frameworks.
Below, we would like to share with you an overview of our common efforts and undertakings that were filling our agenda during the first year of our UNESCO Chair functioning.
Highlights of the UNESCO Chair’s first year (March 2024 – March 2025)
and Webinars
organized or co-organized
by our UNESCO Chair
4 International Conferences, Workshops and Webinars organized or co-organized by our UNESCO Chair
1
Opening Events of the UNESCO Chair (March 11-15th, 2024)
1. a. Heritage Week
Heritage Week, held from March 11th to 15th, 2024, at the University of Warsaw in Poland, was, on the one hand, a critical examination of current challenges in the heritage sector and, on the other, a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage and its significance in contemporary society. Every day, we hosted one great expert, who shared with the audience their knowledge and experience in the heritage field.
1. b. Opening Event on March 14th, 2024
The official opening ceremony, combined with a conference, was an occasion to network, present and discuss the aims and objectives of our Chair.
1. b.1. Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Challenges of Contemporary Global Governance
The panel discussion moderated by Prof. Alicja Jagielska-Burduk, delved into the complexities of safeguarding ICH in the context of evolving global governance frameworks. The speakers included Prof. Marc Jacobs, Dr. Andrzej Jakubowski, and Dr. Maja Kominko, each bringing unique insights from their extensive research and field experience.
1. b.2. Intangible Cultural Heritage and Public Governance in the City
The panel on “Intangible Cultural Heritage and Public Governance in the City,” moderated by Jorijn Neyrinck, Director of Workshop Intangible Heritage Flanders, explored the dynamic interplay between intangible cultural heritage (ICH) and urban environments. The panelists included Myroslava Keryk, Katarzyna Kuzko-Zwierz, and Dr. Andrzej Szoka.
1. b.3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Challenges for Public and Global Intangible Cultural Heritage Governance
The panel discussion, facilitated by Prof. Bartosz Pieliński from the University of Warsaw, brought together experts from diverse backgrounds to explore the complex interplay between AI and cultural heritage. The panelists included Prof. Przemysław Biecek, Piotr Górajec, and Prof. Rimvydas Laužikas, each bringing a unique perspective on the implications of AI in cultural contexts.
2
Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Military
In September 2024, we co-organized a pioneering conference and workshop titled “Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Military” in Wrocław, Poland. This event brought together military personnel, cultural experts, and policymakers to discuss the role of armed forces in preserving intangible cultural heritage during conflicts and peacekeeping missions.
3
18th Annual Meeting of the South-East European Experts Network on Intangible Cultural Heritage
From October 9th to 11th, 2024, Warsaw hosted the 18th Annual Meeting focusing on “Living Heritage in Urban Contexts.” The event facilitated discussions among ICH experts, cultural professionals, and city representatives from South-East Europe, emphasizing the integration of living heritage into urban actions and policies.
1. a. Adapting Intangible Cultural Heritage in Urban Contexts: Lessons from South-East Europe
As part of the 18th Annual Meeting of the South-East European Experts Network on Intangible Cultural Heritage, Round Table 1 focused on living heritage in urban contexts. Cities are vibrant cultural spaces, constantly evolving while striving to retain their heritage. In the face of rapid urbanization, intangible cultural heritage (ICH)—the living traditions, practices, and expressions that define communities—faces significant challenges. How can cities adapt and safeguard these traditions while remaining dynamic hubs of growth? Moderated by Matteo Rosati, the session featured experts from Albania, Austria, Malta, Slovenia, and Turkiye, each presenting innovative strategies for safeguarding ICH in the ever-changing landscape of urban environments.
1. b. City Museums and Community Engagement: Exploring Their Role in Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage
As part of the 18th Annual Meeting of the South-East European Experts Network on Intangible Cultural Heritage, Round Table 2 centered on the vital role of museums in preserving intangible cultural heritage (ICH). Moderated by Suzanne Ogge, this session featured speakers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, and Serbia. They shared how museums serve as bridges between tradition and modernity, fostering community engagement and facilitating the transmission of living heritage.
1. c. Municipal Policies and Intangible Cultural Heritage – Strengthening Sustainable Cooperation
The third round table at the 18th Annual Meeting of the South-East European Experts Network on Intangible Cultural Heritage was a compelling exploration of how municipal policies shape the safeguarding of ICH in urban contexts. Moderated by Hanna Schreiber, this session featured presentations from Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Republic of Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania, offering both theoretical frameworks and practical examples.
4
Webinar on AI and Intangible Cultural Heritage
On October 17th, 2024, on the occasion of the first International Day of ICH, we were privileged to co-organise with UNESCO’s Living Heritage Entity a first global webinar exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and ICH. The session delved into harnessing AI’s potential while mitigating risks for ICH bearers.
2 Educational Initiatives
1
MuBaBao Creative Thinking Workshop
On May 22nd, 2024, students from the Cultural Policy Program at the University of Warsaw participated in a creative thinking workshop using MuBaBao blocks. This initiative aimed to foster innovative approaches to international cultural cooperation.
2
Cultural Hot Spot 2024 at the University of Warsaw
Partnering with the UW Students’ Union’s Board, Welcome Point UW, the University Volunteer Centre, and the Students’ Union of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, we contributed to the “Cultural Hot Spot UW” event on May 17th, 2024. The Main Campus transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, celebrating diverse traditions and promoting intercultural dialogue
5 International Collaborations
1
Reflecting on Ukraine’s 70 Years in UNESCO
On April 30th, 2024, we participated in a conference commemorating Ukraine’s 70th anniversary as a UNESCO member. The event highlighted Ukraine’s contributions to education, science, and culture on the global stage, with a special focus on intangible cultural heritage.
2
Meeting with our institutional partners
On Monday, 13 May, 2024, we had the incredible opportunity to meet for the first time with our international partners, including representatives of universities such as Kenyatta University (Kenya), as well as representatives from various UNESCO Chairs: the UNESCO Chair in Research on Intangible Cultural Heritage and Cultural Diversity (Mexico), the UNESCO Chair on Critical Heritage Studies and Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage (Belgium), and the UNESCO Chair on Applied Studies of Intangible Cultural Heritage (Estonia) and representatives of other institutions, such as ICOMOS International Cultural Tourism Committee and Barbados Museum & Historical Society.
3
Workshop Ostrom Conference in the United States
Prof. Bartosz Pieliński and Prof. Hanna Schreiber represented our Chair at Indiana University’s 7th Workshop on the Workshop Ostrom Conference (WOW7), contributing to discussions on specific aspects of cultural heritage governance with the application of the Ostrom’s institutional grammar.
4
Meeting concerning the UK’s accession to the UNESCO 2003 Convention
On May 3, 2024, a delegate from our UNESCO Chair, Prof. Bartosz Pieliński, attended an important meeting concerning the UK’s accession to the UNESCO 2003 Convention. The meeting was focused on the opportunities and challenges stemming from AI for UK’s future activities around the 2003 Convention.
5
National Museum Conference in Bodø, Northern Norway
Our Chairholder, Prof. Hanna Schreiber, participated with a keynote speech in the National Museum Conference held from October 31st to November 1st, 2024. The conference addressed the evolving roles of museums in contemporary society, with a focus on community engagement and the safeguarding of ICH. Prof. Schreiber shared experiences from Warsaw and Krakow ICH Teams.
2 Additional Engagements
1
Webinar on February 25, 2025: On heritage skills transmissions and policies
Our Chairholder, Professor Hanna Schreiber, who – together with Professor Janet Blake – co-founded in 2023 the Working Group on Legal and Policy Development in the ICH NGO Forum, supported an organization of the webinar hosted by this Working Group. This webinar explored how the heritage sector, including the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, can become more visible, interconnected, and impactful in policy-making, education, and practice.
2
Webinar on November 26, 2024: WIPO vs ICH
Another webinar organized within the Working Group on Legal and Policy Development in the ICH NGO Forum, was held on November 26, 2024. It focused on the implications of the newly adopted WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge for the safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, our commitment to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage remains steadfast. We aim to expand our collaborations, enhance educational programs, and continue advocating for the integration of ICH into public and global governance.
What are we looking forward to in 2025 and beyond?
1
Conference organized in the framework of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union
3-4th April, 2025, in Kraków, at the conference organized in the framework of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union “Safe cultural heritage – European challenges in times of war and crisis” our Chairholder will have a presentation titled: There is no heritage without people for whom it matters. Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage as an element of national and European security.
2
Second Conference of the Association of Critical Heritage Studies’ Central and Eastern Europe Chapter
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming Second Conference of the Association of Critical Heritage Studies’ Central and Eastern Europe Chapter, taking place at the University of Warsaw from August 27–29, 2025!
3
2028 biannual conference of ACHS
During the world’s largest conference of heritage scholars affiliated with the Association of Critical Heritage Studies, it was decided that the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies of the University of Warsaw (including our UNESCO Chair!) will host the 2028 biannual conference of ACHS!
4
Contribution to the activities of the Working Group on Legal and Policy Development of the ICH NGO Forum (3-4 webinars per year)
5
Participation in international grant projects
We thank you for your interest in the activities of our Chair, for your support in the first year of our operation and we invite you to future collaborative projects and events!
With best wishes and warm regards,
Hanna Schreiber
Prof. Hanna Schreiber
Chairholder, UNESCO Chair on Intangible Cultural Heritage in Public and Global Governance
