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- mechanism, which was in line with the overall results framework just adopted, particularly as it would create a specific capacity-building programme, while supporting and motivating States in the preparation of their reports. The new system would thus encourage peer learning, thereby improving the overall quality of the reports. With regard to reporting on the updates of elements inscribed on the Lists, as referred to by Latvia, the delegation wished to know whether there would be a mechanism for providing updates concerning element already inscribed on either the Representative List or the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices.
- 353. The delegation of Sweden welcomed the new reporting format and supported all the efforts to simplify the submission of reports to make it more efficient. On a technical issue regarding the submission procedure, it was noted from the report that the procedure should be completed online . From Sweden's side, it was important to ensure that this was in compliance with the respective reporting systems, i.e. for the ministries in the case of Sweden as the responsible minister had to sign off on the reports.
- 354. The delegation of Algeria expressed its support for and approval of the necessary revisions to the Operational Directives in line with the new results framework on periodic reporting, as highlighted by Senegal. In this respect, Algeria was pleased to host a capacity-building workshop in Algiers for countries submitting their periodic reports in 2020 or 2021 through the Regional Centre for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Africa.
- 355. The delegation of Saint Kitts and Nevis reminded the Assembly that it had just ratified the Convention as a SIDS. It was thus at an embryonic stage of developing a national policy for intangible cultural heritage, and one of the areas that presented constant challenges was the reporting requirements associated with all Conventions. The delegation therefore asked that the Secretariat provide the necessary support in terms of helping formulate a reporting framework - perhaps a simple template - that could be completed by ticking a number of boxes, while providing the substantive information needed by the Secretariat to assess its compliance with the Convention.
- 356. The Secretary turned to Austria's question concerning reporting on the Representative List and the Good Safeguarding Practices, explaining that these would indeed continue. Moreover, the Representative List and the Good Safeguarding Practices were not necessarily part of the report feeding into the overall results framework. However, with regard to the periodic report, the reporting on the Representative List would now follow the same regional cycle on a six-year basis. Regarding Sweden 's query, which echoed Cuba 's remark, the Secretary conceded that there was a language error in the report and that 'must' should read 'may' [in paragraph 161]. O n the possibility of online reporting, it obviously had a number of advantages, for example, States would be able to consult past reports on the online platform. Nevertheless, the Secretariat would look into any impediments and it was not restricting the submission of reports by other means. Responding to Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Secretary explained that Form ICH-10 already provided the format for periodic reporting and the Secretariat would provide capacity building. Hence, these amendments would allow countries to be brought together on a regional basis to provide and build capacities.
- 357. The delegation of Tunisia was delighted to hear the proposal from Algeria to hold a workshop on capacity building for States preparing their periodic reports.
- 358. The Vice-Chairperson proceeded to the adoption of the Annex to Document 10 with the projected proposals in paragraph 152, which would read, ' States Parties submit their national periodic reports to the Committee by 15 December every six years on the basis of a rotation region by region. The order of such rotation is established by the Committee at the beginning of the six-year periodic reporting cycle. States Parties use the periodic reporting process to enhance active regional exchange and cooperation'. Together with Malaysia 's amendment , it would read, ' the monitoring measures, as well as active regional exchange and cooperation to ensure efficient safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage ' . The paragraph concluded with 'F orm ICH-10 has to be completed online by each State Party and is revised at appropriate intervals ', and Cuba's amendment that read, ' or sent by email ' .
- 359. The Secretary understood Cuba 's concern but wondered whether it would not be simpler to