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On Friday, 13 September 2024, a session of the State Commission for Cooperation of Bosnia and Herzegovina with UNESCO was held in Sarajevo, chaired by the Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina and President of the Commission, Dubravka Bošnjak.

The members of the Commission adopted an updated Preliminary List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Bosnia and Herzegovina, adding 11 new elements. These include: Četenija from Tarevac, Una boat, Podgrmeč embroidery, Banja Luka kolo, Kalenderovac fatty cheese, Saborovanje, Koledarice, Basket weaving in Posavina, Violin craftsmanship from Doboj, Legends of the stećci, and Singing with tambura/shargija and violin accompaniment. The list currently contains 49 elements of intangible cultural heritage. Listing an element on the Preliminary List is a prerequisite for preparing a nomination for UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Heritage.

It is worth noting that the nomination of Sevdalinka for the Representative List of Intangible Heritage is currently under consideration by UNESCO, with a decision expected later this year. Additionally, the Commission has submitted a nomination for the element "Nevesinje Olympics – traditional sports games" to UNESCO this year.

The following elements from Bosnia and Herzegovina are currently on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Heritage: Zmijanje embroidery, Konjic woodcarving, Harvesting of the Iva herb on Ozren, Grass mowing festival in Kupres, and Lipizzaner horse breeding traditions.

The Commission discussed an initiative launched by UNESCO's Natural Sciences Sector, aimed at supporting the transformation of scientific research in Africa by enabling remote access to sophisticated scientific equipment. To expand this initiative, a global support network is being established to provide remote access to laboratory equipment for researchers in African countries. The Commission supported the proposal to inform UNESCO that NI Verlab is interested in being part of this network.

The Commission also adopted information about the listing of the Vjetrenica cave on the World Heritage List, which occurred during the recent session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in India. Gratitude was once again extended to all those who contributed to Vjetrenica's inclusion on the World Heritage List. It was noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina is committed to further activities in the protection and preservation of Vjetrenica, as well as promoting it as a must-see destination for nature and culture lovers.

The members of the Commission reviewed the document "Joint Declaration of Intentions for Cooperation on the Protection and Management of the Serial World Heritage Property 'Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe'." The Janj Forest Strict Nature Reserve was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021 as part of the extension of this serial property. The Commission gave a positive opinion on the signing of the Joint Declaration by the relevant ministries.

The Commission also adopted the Report on the Implementation of the Convention against Discrimination in Education, Information on the ASPnet network of schools and activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the Framework Work Plan of the State Commission for Cooperation of Bosnia and Herzegovina with UNESCO for 2024-2025.