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Mongolia ratified the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2005, affirming its commitment to safeguard and promote living traditions. Since ratification, the country has adopted a comprehensive national framework that aligns with the Convention’s objectives, which combines national inventories, legislative measures, and institutional mechanisms. The Law of Culture, Law on Cultural Heritage Protection, and related regulations provide the legal basis for safeguarding, while national strategies emphasize documentation, transmission, and revitalization of endangered practices. The preparation of inventories is carried out with the active involvement of local communities, placing tradition bearers at the center of safeguarding activities. This participatory approach strengthens integrity and ensures continuity. In cooperation with UNESCO, Mongolia has organized capacity-building workshops to enhance expertise in documentation and safeguarding. Education programs and cultural initiatives further reinforce intergenerational transmission. Mongolia has also actively engaged in international cooperation, submitting periodic reports and successfully inscribing 17 elements on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage Lists. Through these combined strategies, Mongolia has aligned national development priorities with the Convention’s objectives, positioning itself as a leading advocate for nomadic cultural heritage
Coordination of ICH safeguarding in Mongolia is led by the Ministry of Culture, which serves as the national focal point. The Implementing Agency of the Government, the Culture and Arts Authority, is tasked with implementing state policy and expanding access to cultural and artistic services. In contrast, the National Center for Cultural Heritage functions as the specialized agency responsible for inventories, documentation, and community engagement. Together, these institutions align policy with professional practice, working in concert to ensure the sustainable development of the cultural sector. Inter‑ministerial cooperation is facilitated through formal agreements and joint programs that link the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth with the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Environment, and other relevant agencies. This ensures that safeguarding measures are embedded in education curricula, sustainable development strategies, and tourism promotion. Research institutions such as the Institute of History and Ethnology of the Science Academy and universities contribute expertise in documentation, analysis, and transmission methodologies. At the same time, community organizations and local cultural centers provide direct access to tradition bearers. Community participation is central to coordination, with local practitioners actively involved in identifying, documenting, and transmitting heritage. Regular workshops, capacity‑building initiatives, and regional forums strengthen collaboration across sectors. Through this integrated framework, Mongolia ensures that safeguarding ICH is not only a cultural priority but also a shared responsibility across government, academia, and society.
Mongolia's approach to safeguaring of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is strategically integrated into its national development frameworks and cultural policies. The State Policy on Culture underscores the importance of ICH as essential to national identity, cultural diversity, and social cohesion. The government has implemented a range of policy documents, encompassing short, medium, and long-term strategies. These include the "Vision 2050" long-term development plan, the "Government Action Plan" for 2020-2024, Mongolia's Five-Year Development Guidelines for 2021-2025, and the Ministry of Culture's Strategic Plan. The "Vision 2050" plan articulates the importance of "national values," such as ethnic pride. It sets forth ambitious objectives across nine key areas, ranging from human development to regional growth, over the next three decades. Education plays a central role, with school curricula and extracurricular programs including traditional music, dance, oral heritage, and craftsmanship. Universities and research institutions further contribute by documenting and analyzing ICH, while cultural centers provide spaces for transmission and practice. These efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (quality education), Goal 8 (decent work and economic growth), and Goal 11 (sustainable cities and communities). By embedding ICH safeguarding within national strategies, Mongolia ensures that its cultural heritage contributes to economic growth, social inclusion, and ecological sustainability.
Mongolia has established a comprehensive system for inventorying ICH in line with the 2003 Convention. The National Center for Cultural Heritage, under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth, is mandated to register, monitor, safeguard, and conserve both tangible and intangible heritage nationwide. Its work is anchored in the State Integrated Database of Cultural Heritage, which has annually updated records of ICH elements and practitioners since 2010. In 2015, the Minister of Education, Culture and Science adopted Decree A/151, introducing the “Procedure for the Identification and Research of Intangible Cultural Heritage.” This framework provides for the identification of bearers, the documentation of traditions, the safeguarding of measures, and support for transmission, consistent with Mongolia’s Constitution, cultural policy, legislation, and international conventions. Under Article 26.1 of the Law on the Protection of Cultural Heritage, inventories of ICH are conducted every three years in cooperation with provincial and city governors to reaffirm and enrich annual registrations. Clear criteria guide the process, prioritizing elements of cultural significance, continuity, community recognition, and those at risk of disappearance. Data collection is undertaken through field surveys, interviews, audiovisual documentation, and ethnographic research, often in partnership with universities and research institutes. Local governments and communities play a central role, ensuring inventories reflect the perspectives of tradition bearers and safeguard cultural integrity.
Mongolia has developed a comprehensive documentation and information management system to safeguard ICH. The NCCH oversees the recording and archiving of elements through textual records, audiovisual materials, and photographic collections, capturing both practices and their cultural contexts. A centralized digital database and repository stores inventories and related materials, with metadata on each element’s description, community of practice, transmission methods, and safeguarding needs. Field researchers, universities, and cultural centers contribute to data collection through ethnographic surveys, interviews, and video recordings. Audiovisual and photographic materials are archived in both physical and digital formats, with increasing emphasis on digitization for long term preservation and accessibility. Selected materials are made available to researchers and the public through exhibitions, publications, and online platforms, while sensitive community knowledge is managed in accordance with local protocols. By combining modern information systems with community-based documentation, Mongolia ensures that ICH records serve as safeguarding tools and resources for education, research, and cultural promotion.
In Mongolia, national and local inventories of ICH function as key instruments for safeguarding and policy development. Administered by the National Center for Cultural Heritage, these inventories provide a structured record of practices, knowledge, and expressions that inform policy decisions, educational initiatives, and UNESCO nomination files. By systematically documenting heritage elements, they enable authorities to identify safeguarding priorities and allocate resources effectively. Inventory data are widely applied in education, supporting the integration of traditional music, oral traditions, and craftsmanship into school curricula and extracurricular programs. Universities and research institutions also draw on inventories to prepare teaching materials and research projects, ensuring accurate documentation for transmission. At the community level, inventories raise awareness of cultural significance and strengthen local safeguarding. For example, the documentation of Khoomei throat singing and Morin Khuur craftsmanship has facilitated workshops, festivals, and youth training programs. Regular updates keep inventories dynamic, aligning safeguarding strategies with evolving community needs and sustainable development goals. Currently, Mongolia’s National Lists comprise 362 ICH elements across seven domains, representing 23 ethnic groups. Of these, 83 elements require urgent safeguarding, while 279 elements are inscribed in the National Representative List. As of 2025, the State Integrated Database records 10,530 registered bearers of ICH.
Mongolia supports the transmission of ICH through a combination of family traditions, formal education, and community-based initiatives. Within nomadic households, elders continue to pass down oral traditions, craftsmanship, and ritual practices, ensuring continuity in daily life. At the institutional level, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth, the Ministry of Education and Science and the National Center for Cultural Heritage integrate ICH into school curricula and extracurricular programs, exposing children to traditional music, dance, and storytelling. Universities offer specialized courses in folklore, ethnology, and heritage management, strengthening academic transmission. Non formal education plays a vital role through master–apprentice schemes and mentorship programs, where experienced practitioners train younger generations in skills such as Khoomei throat singing, Morin Khuur craftsmanship, calligraphy and so on. Community workshops and cultural festivals provide additional opportunities for youth engagement, while local cultural centers serve as hubs for practice and learning. These combined efforts ensure that ICH remains a living practice, embedded in both everyday life and institutional frameworks.
Mongolia has launched several national programmes aimed at ICH and promoting cultural diversity. Since 1999, initiatives have focused on areas like folk art, traditional music, dance, and oral traditions. Key programmes include the National Programme on Supporting Folk Art (1999–2006) and efforts for traditions such as the Morin Khuur, Long Song, Khuumei throat singing, and Mongol Biyelgee dance, which have all been recognized by UNESCO. Other initiatives include the Epic (Tuuli) Programme (2012–2014), the Tsuur music programme (2014–2016), and the ongoing National Programme of Mongolian Artwork (2015–2025). Additionally, with UNESCO's support, Mongolia has revitalised endangered ICH through community collaboration, focusing on vulnerable practices, such as the Circular Breathing Technique of Limbe, the Biyelgee dance, and the Worship practices of the Sacred Mountains. The NCCH, in collaboration with communities and universities, identifies vulnerable practices through inventories and implements safeguarding projects. Community-based workshops and mentorship programs encourage youth participation in endangered traditions. Documentation efforts, including audiovisual recordings and ethnographic studies, preserve knowledge while providing teaching resources. Performances and festivals highlight endangered practices, raising public awareness and strengthening community pride. Craft revitalization initiatives linking heritage with sustainable livelihoods and creative industries. By combining documentation, community engagement, and creative revitalization methods, Mongolia sustains endangered ICH elements and ensures their relevance for the future.
Safeguarding measures in Mongolia are closely linked to broader cultural, environmental, and socio-economic development frameworks. National cultural policies recognize ICH as a foundation for identity and diversity, while development strategies emphasize its role in community resilience and sustainable growth. ICH contributes directly to tourism and local economies, with festivals such as Naadam and performances of Khuumei attracting international visitors and supporting cultural industries. Traditional craftsmanship is a source of sustainable livelihoods, linking heritage with entrepreneurship. Environmental sustainability is reinforced through nomadic practices that emphasize harmony with nature and responsible resource use. These efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8 (decent work and economic growth), Goal 11 (sustainable communities), and Goal 12 (responsible consumption and production). By embedding ICH safeguarding into national development planning, Mongolia ensures that cultural heritage contributes meaningfully to economic vitality, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship.
In Mongolia, communities, groups, and individuals are central actors in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. Tradition bearers actively identify and define elements for inclusion in national inventories, ensuring that practices reflect local realities. Community members contribute to documentation and field surveys, sharing oral histories, demonstrating techniques, and validating collected data. Their participation is equally vital in preparing nomination files for UNESCO Lists, where practitioners provide testimonies, audiovisual materials, and contextual knowledge. Transmission is sustained through family traditions, mentorship programs, and community workshops, with elders and masters training younger generations. Communities also organize festivals and performances that revitalize practices and raise awareness. Decision-making processes are guided by community knowledge, with practitioners consulted in policy development and safeguarding strategies. This participatory approach ensures that safeguarding measures are not imposed externally but reflect the lived realities and priorities of tradition bearers, reinforcing cultural continuity and resilience.
Mongolia has established a comprehensive framework of institutional, legal, and financial measures to encourage community participation in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH). The Law on Cultural Heritage Protection mandates community involvement in inventorying and safeguarding activities, while Resolution No. 475 (2019) recognizes 102 master practitioners as National Living Treasures and Resolution No. 354 (2018) provides monetary awards to inheritors who make exceptional contributions nationally and internationally. These measures ensure formal recognition, financial support, and visibility for tradition bearers. The Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth and the Culture and Arts Authority provide grants and subsidies for community projects, festivals, and workshops, while local governments maintain cultural centers that serve as hubs for training, performances, exhibitions, and mentorship programs. Capacity‑building initiatives, often in partnership with UNESCO and universities, strengthen community skills in documentation, project management, and safeguarding methodologies. Training programs for artisans, musicians, and storytellers help revitalize endangered practices, and recognition schemes for master practitioners encourage intergenerational transmission. Together, these measures empower communities as custodians of ICH, ensuring their active role in safeguarding strategies and sustaining cultural continuity.
Mongolia has developed mechanisms that facilitate dialogue among communities, government bodies, and experts to strengthen ICH safeguarding. Regulation No. 354 (2018) introduced monetary rewards for practitioners, while amendments to the Law on Protection of Cultural Heritage (2021), Article 34, defined their rights and duties, including financial support, transmission, and documentation. The Professional Council of ICH, re‑established in 2015. Comprising 21 members from bearers, scholars, and government bodies, the Council reviews ICH lists, submits them for approval, and ensures their dissemination once endorsed by the Government. The NCCH organizes regular forums, workshops, and consultations where practitioners, researchers, and policymakers exchange knowledge and define priorities. Provincial Culture and Arts Departments and local cultural centres provide grassroots platforms for dialogue, enabling tradition bearers to propose safeguarding measures and collaborate with authorities. Universities and research institutions host conferences and seminars that bring together experts and practitioners, fostering interdisciplinary approaches. Annual festivals and cultural events, such as ‘Nudeelchin’ (Nomads) ICH Festival and regional heritage fairs, serve as informal dialogue platforms where communities showcase practices and engage with policymakers and the public. These interactions promote shared decision making, knowledge exchange, and intergenerational transmission, as younger participants learn directly from masters and elders. By combining formal institutional mechanisms with community-based dialogue, Mongolia ensures that safeguarding strategies remain participatory, inclusive, and responsive to evolving cultural needs.
Mongolia promotes awareness of intangible cultural heritage through a wide range of initiatives targeting the general public, youth, and educators. National and local festivals, such as an annual Nuudelchin ICH Festival and regional heritage fairs, showcase ICH, raising visibility and pride in cultural diversity. Exhibitions and educational programmes in museums and cultural centers highlight ICH elements, often accompanied by interactive demonstrations that engage students and families. Schools integrate ICH into curricula and craftsmanship, while extracurricular clubs provide hands‑on learning opportunities. Educators receive training to incorporate ICH into teaching, ensuring continuity across generations. Public awareness campaigns, including broadcasts, lectures, competitions, and community workshops, further emphasize the importance of safeguarding. These combined efforts foster appreciation of ICH as a living resource for identity, social inclusion, and sustainable development.
The media plays a crucial role in raising awareness and disseminating information about intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in Mongolia. National television and radio, alongside private broadcasters, produce dedicated programs on cultural heritage, including documentaries, interviews, and live performances featuring tradition bearers. Newspapers and magazines further contribute by publishing articles on heritage practices. Digital platforms and social media campaigns showcase the diversity of ICH, engaging younger audiences and fostering interactive participation. Collaborations with media organizations ensure broad coverage of safeguarding initiatives, while online platforms such as ichLinks provide accessible resources for both researchers and the general public. Community based outreach also thrives through video series and podcasts that highlight artisans, musicians, and storytellers, giving visibility to cultural custodians. Collectively, these communication strategies not only enhance public awareness but also encourage active involvement, ensuring the continued relevance of ICH in contemporary society. Since 2024, the Government of Mongolia has strengthened public awareness through the GLAM system and promoted Mongolian culture internationally via the Google Arts & Culture platform. In addition, the NCCH, in cooperation with ICHCAP, has disseminated Mongolian intangible cultural heritage through the ichLinks platform since 2019. Building on this collaboration, work has been underway since 2024 to develop a National Platform within the framework of the ichLinks project.
Mongolia enhances understanding of ICH through academic research, publications, and knowledge‑sharing platforms. Universities and research institutes conduct ethnographic studies, documenting oral traditions, performing arts, and craftsmanship. Findings are published in scholarly journals, books, and newsletters, contributing to both national and international discourse. Conferences and symposia provide opportunities for experts, practitioners, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and refine safeguarding strategies. The National Center for Cultural Heritage produces reports and catalogues that serve as reference materials for educators and communities. Digital resources, including online archives and databases, make documentation accessible to researchers and the public. Knowledge exchange programs, often organized in partnership with UNESCO and regional networks, strengthen collaboration and capacity‑building. These efforts ensure that ICH is not only safeguarded but also appreciated as a dynamic field of study, reinforcing its role in cultural diversity and sustainable development.
Mongolia has introduced diverse measures to strengthen human resources for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. Under Article 20.3 of the Law on the Protection of Cultural Heritage, the National Center for Cultural Heritage is tasked with registering, documenting, safeguardng, promoting, and providing methodological guidance. In line with this mandate, the Center conducts training workshops for government officials, researchers, and educators, focusing on inventorying and safeguarding methodologies. Community members—including artisans and performers—benefit from mentorship schemes and local workshops that emphasize practical skills and the transmission of knowledge across generations. Academic institutions such as the National University of Mongolia and the National University of Culture and Arts contribute by offering specialized courses in ethnology, folklore, and cultural heritage management, preparing future professionals in the field. Complementing these efforts, professional development programs—often organized in partnership with UNESCO and Category II Centers—build capacity in safeguarding practices, policy integration, and community engagement. Together, these initiatives cultivate a skilled workforce that blends technical expertise with community‑based knowledge, ensuring the vitality and continuity of Mongolia’s intangible cultural heritage.
In Mongolia, institutions responsible for safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage are supported through a comprehensive framework that enhances both operational and technical capacity. Central to this effort is the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth, which coordinates national campaigns, funding, and community participation under the country’s long-term “Vision‑2050” strategy. The Mongolian Law on the Protection of Cultural Heritage (2014, revised) provides the legal foundation, mandating government financial support for research, restoration, training, and promotion, while enabling cooperation with international partners to access donor funding and global expertise. Institutional growth is reinforced through infrastructure improvements such as archives, museums, cultural centers, and digital repositories that expand safeguarding beyond Ulaanbaatar. The law requires the creation of national inventories and databases, encouraging the adoption of modern information management systems for documentation, monitoring, and knowledge‑sharing. These systems organize inventories, audiovisual materials, and research data, ensuring long‑term preservation and accessibility. Capacity‑building programs further strengthen staff skills in heritage management, while partnerships with universities and NGOs provide technical expertise. Together, these measures secure financial stability, improve infrastructure, and embed digital tools into safeguarding practices. By combining legislation, funding, infrastructure, and community engagement, Mongolia ensures sustainable institutional growth and the transmission of cultural identity for future generations.
Mongolia promotes knowledge exchange and collaboration among experts and practitioners through a variety of mechanisms. National forums and conferences bring together researchers, policymakers, and community representatives to share experiences and refine safeguarding strategies. Universities and cultural institutions collaborate on joint research projects, publications, and training programs, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to ICH. International partnerships, particularly with UNESCO and regional networks such as ICHCAP, IRCI and CRIHAP provide opportunities for professional networking, study tours, and workshops that expose Mongolian experts to global best practices. Community practitioners are actively involved in these exchanges, ensuring that traditional knowledge informs academic and policy discussions. Digital platforms and newsletters further support the dissemination of research findings and safeguarding experiences. By combining national collaboration with international engagement, Mongolia strengthens competencies, builds professional networks, and ensures that safeguarding measures are informed by both local realities and global expertise.
Mongolia has demonstrated strong engagement in bilateral and multilateral initiatives to enhance its capacity for safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), particularly through strategic partnerships with UNESCO, the Japan Fund-in-Trust, and UNESCO Category 2 Centres in the Asia-Pacific region. Between 2012 and 2016, Mongolia collaborated with UNESCO and Japan to conduct a national needs assessment, organize workshops on community-based inventorying and nomination file preparation, and develop safeguarding plans. A pivotal milestone was the 2016 “Training of Trainers” on digitizing ICH, which laid the foundation for a national inventory and electronic database. Further collaboration with Category 2 Centres: ICHCAP, CRIHAP, and ICRI has expanded Mongolia’s technical and institutional capacities. CRIHAP supported workshops on media’s role in implementing the 2003 Convention (2017), integrating ICH into tertiary education (2019), and engaging youth (2022). ICHCAP facilitated regional platforms for national inventories (2018–2021) and digital content development through ICHLinks (2022–2025). ICRI contributed to research on ICH mapping (2016), disaster risk management, and the impact of COVID-19 (2021–2022). These partnerships have fostered knowledge exchange, strengthened institutional frameworks, and embedded ICH safeguarding into broader educational, digital, and resilience strategies—ensuring Mongolia’s alignment with international standards and long-term sustainability.
Mongolia is an active participant in regional and global networks that promote ICH safeguarding. The country regularly attends UNESCO regional meetings and expert forums, where policymakers, researchers, and practitioners exchange knowledge and refine safeguarding methodologies. Mongolia contributes to ichLinks, a digital platform managed by ICHCAP, by sharing documentation, inventories, and audiovisual materials that enhance visibility of Mongolian heritage. Engagement in these networks facilitates collaboration with experts from Asia and beyond, enabling Mongolia to benefit from comparative studies and best practices. National experts also participate in international conferences and symposia, strengthening professional networks and fostering interdisciplinary approaches. These interactions promote mutual learning and solidarity, ensuring that Mongolia’s safeguarding strategies are informed by both local realities and global expertise.
Mongolia has emerged as a key contributor to the global mechanisms of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Since ratifying the Convention in 2005, the country has successfully inscribed 17 elements on UNESCO’s Lists, reflecting the richness of its nomadic traditions. On the Representative List, Mongolia is recognized for emblematic practices such as the Morin Khuur (horse-head fiddle) and Urtiin Duu (folk long song) in 2008, the Naadam festival and Khuumei throat singing in 2010, and the multinational element of Falconry (2010). Other inscriptions include the craftsmanship of the Mongol Ger (2013), knuckle-bone shooting (2014), the technique of making Airag in Khokhuur (2019), and more recently, Nauryz and seasonal migration practices (2024). On the Urgent Safeguarding List, Mongolia has secured recognition for vulnerable traditions including the Mongolian Epic and Tsuur music (2009), Bii Biyelgee dance (2009), Limbe circular breathing technique (2011), calligraphy (2013), the camel coaxing ritual (2015), and sacred site worship practices (2017). Beyond national nominations, Mongolia has contributed to multinational efforts such as Falconry and Nauryz, reinforcing shared heritage across borders. Active participation in Intergovernmental Committee sessions further highlights Mongolia’s role in shaping international safeguarding policies. These engagements enhance its global visibility, foster cooperation, and affirm its leadership in protecting and celebrating nomadic cultural heritage as part of humanity’s collective diversity.

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  • Elements

    127

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    • nomadism

    • traditional knowledge

    • game

    • archery

    • milk

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    • Photo

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    • Audio

    • Oral traditions and representations

      Performing Arts

      Social practices, rituals, festive events

    • Knowledge and practices about nature and the universe

      Traditional craft skills

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