Ministry of Civil Affairs in Paraguay at the UNESCO Committee Meeting: Sevdalinka inscribed on the UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Sevdalinka, a traditional urban folk song from Bosnia and Herzegovina, has officially been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity! This decision, made today after 2:00 PM during the 19th session of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee, represents a significant recognition of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s cultural heritage. Sevdalinka, known for its deeply emotional lyrics and melodies, reflects the rich history, diversity, and lifestyle of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"The inclusion of sevdalinka on UNESCO's list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is an exceptional recognition of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also an obligation to preserve and promote this cultural treasure with even more dedication. Sevdalinka is much more than a song – it is a universal expression of human emotions, a testament to our history and identity, and a bridge between different cultures. Its place on the world stage is proof of its universal value. I would especially like to thank all the guardians of this element, experts, artists, and institutions, who through their dedicated work have made it possible for sevdalinka to take its rightful place on the global level. This is a moment of pride for all of us, but also an opportunity to strengthen its role in everyday life through art, education, and tourism. The Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina remains committed to implementing the UNESCO Convention and raising awareness about the importance of intangible cultural heritage as part of our shared legacy," said Minister Dubravka Bošnjak.

The nomination process is the result of years of work by cultural and educational institutions, ethnomusicologists, associations, and individuals who have been preserving this element for generations. It was initiated in 2017 by the Association of Music Artists from Tuzla, with the support of the State Commission for Cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and UNESCO, and the Ministry of Civil Affairs. The preparation of the nomination file was coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports. This process involved gathering material that attests to the artistic and historical value of sevdalinka, recognized not only in the country but also internationally. Sevdalinka now joins other elements from Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further confirming the richness of our cultural heritage. Previously, the Zmijanja embroidery was inscribed in 2014, Konjičko woodcarving in 2017, Picking of iva grass on Ozren mountain in 2018, and the tradition of grass mowing competitions in Kupres in 2020. The Lipizzaner horse breeding tradition was inscribed to the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in the framework of the serial nomination “Tradition of Lipizzaner Horse Breeding” in 2022. The “Nevesinje Olympics – Traditional Sports Games” are currently nominated for inclusion.

The 19th session of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee is taking place in Paraguay from 2 to 7  December 2024. The Committee consists of 24 member countries, which currently include: Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Barbados, Burkina Faso, China, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Haiti, India, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Paraguay, Slovakia, Spain, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Zambia. Representatives from the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina are attending the session. The Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the State Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO express their gratitude to UNESCO and the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee for the decision to include sevdalinka on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Bosnia and Herzegovina remains committed to preserving its cultural identity and nurturing and promoting sevdalinka as a universal expression of human emotions and tradition through education, art, tourism, and the media.