Supported by the 140 nations the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution that addressed the illicit trafficking of cultural property and stolen artifacts.
Aiming to preserve the age-old priceless heritage artifacts worldwide, the UN resolution passed asking the UN member states to implement effective laws and measures.
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a UN body that has been working globally against illicit trade and trafficking of cultural heritage and has also issued web alerts to member countries and stakeholders including INTERPOL to preserve the stolen cultural properties.
Also, UNESCO plans to develop a Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects by 2025.
Meanwhile, the UNESCO’s meeting held in Asunción, Republic of Paraguay recently has added Sake-making with koji mold is deeply rooted beverage, Intore dance in Rwanda, Taif roses rituals of Saudi Arabia, craftsmanship of Aleppo Ghar soap of Syria, Tomyum kung soup in Thailand, an art of decorating eggs –Pysanka of Ukraine and Estonia, Henna rituals, aesthetic and social practices in celebration of Eid of United Arab Emirates, equestrian art in Portugal, Wosana ritual of Botswana and the Reog Ponorogo performing art in Indonesia are among the latest practices and cultural expressions recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage.
With more than 700 inscriptions to date, the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage aims to raise awareness at the local, national and international level.
UNESCO has also been reshaping its concept of cultural heritage to encompass traditions, oral expressions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, and the knowledge and skills involved in traditional crafts.