site.btaBulgaria Elected Member of UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage

The General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, supported by a large majority the election of Bulgaria as a member of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026–2030 term, the Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday.

The vote took place on Wednesday in Paris during the 11th session of the General Assembly, with Bulgaria receiving the highest number of votes among the candidates from its regional group.

The Foreign Ministry notes that Bulgaria has traditionally been among the active participants in UNESCO’s activities. Thanks to the country’s consistent efforts, a number of Bulgarian sites have been inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Bulgaria is also home to the Regional Centre for safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage in South East Europe under the auspices of UNESCO.

Bulgaria’s election to the Committee in 2026 confirms the country’s contribution to the Organization’s activities and lends additional significance to the 70th anniversary of Bulgaria’s membership in UNESCO, the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the protection of the underwater cultural heritage, and the 20th anniversary of Bulgaria’s ratification of the Convention for safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage, according to the Foreign Ministry’s press release.

Culture Minister Evtim Miloshev took part in the 11th session of the General Assembly. In his address to the forum, he highlighted the country’s contribution to UNESCO’s work and commitment to being an active and constructive member of the Committee.

During his visit to UNESCO headquarters, Miloshev met with Director-General Khaled El-Enany. On behalf of Prime Minister Rumen Radev, he presented him with an official invitation to visit Bulgaria to mark the 70th anniversary of the country’s membership in the global organization.