An organization for cooperation

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. This specialized UN agency supports international cooperation, the exchange of knowledge and the protection of heritage.

Two forms of heritage

World heritage covers cultural or natural properties, such as monuments and landscapes. Intangible cultural heritage covers practices, expressions and skills passed down through generations. These two frameworks should not be confused.

A French example

The gastronomic meal of the French falls under intangible cultural heritage. This recognition concerns a social practice, not the awarding of a label to all French dishes. UNESCO and the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) share an interest in cultural diversity, but they are separate organizations.