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- the use of the programme for other States Parties. It also wished to highlight the work carried out on intangible cultural heritage in formal and non-formal education, and it warmly welcomed the Committee's decision regarding the funding priority dedicated to this area. However, in line with future possibilities related to changes in periodic reporting and the overall results framework, the delegation hoped that there would be more possibilities for Member States to interact in this area and share good practices and experiences. Finland had embarked on this issue by publishing a dedicated website on intangible cultural heritage and education, targeting teachers and students that not only highlighted intangible cultural heritage in Finland but also the Lists of UNESCO and even national inventories in several other countries, offering a great resource for youth to learn different languages. One common goal this year was to highlight the European theme of cultural heritage that also underscored the importance of intangible cultural heritage. The delegation believed that efforts in this area of work would bear fruit of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage in the future.
- 134. The delegation of Germany congratulated the Chairperson on her election. It welcomed the comprehensiveness of the Secretariat's report on its activities and commended the efforts undertaken during the reporting period. Regarding the development of an outreach and communications plan, the delegation wished to know whether the Secretariat had ideas about a procedure that would allow for easier use and authorization of the Convention emblem, a point raised by Member States at the last General Assembly. In addition, it wished to know if there had been any exchanges or contacts with other relevant United Nations organizations on intangible cultural heritage issues in the last biennium.
- 135. The delegation of Botswana congratulated the Chairperson on her election and thanked the Secretariat for the excellent report. Botswana had presented its first two reports on the status of the implementation of the Convention and on the elements listed on the Urgent Safeguarding List. It thanked the Committee for approving the two reports and looked forward to continued timely submissions of its periodic reports. The Committee also approved its application for International Assistance for its first inscribed element, which was itself a motivation to work harder. Botswana had inscribed its second element on the Urgent Safeguarding List [in 2017], which further enhanced its efforts in the implementation of the Convention. The delegation believed that this work contributed to the increasing visibility of UNESCO in Botswana, and it reaffirmed its commitment to UNESCO since ratifying the Convention in 2010 and, in particular, the safeguarding of its intangible cultural heritage.
- 136. The delegation of the Netherlands congratulated the Chairperson on her election and thanked the Secretariat for its excellent report, the documents prepared and the future- oriented way of working under such budgetary challenges. It greatly valued the work being done to improve the governance of the Convention and the development of an overall results framework to make the impact and results of the Convention visible. With regard to the dialogue mechanism, it was important to take time to reflect and consult with the Evaluation Body. Also, in light of the discussions on the nature and purposes of the Representative List, the delegation believed that the purpose of this List required discussion. The global capacity- building programme was still a very important issue. A new phase would start to implement the Convention worldwide at all levels. Communities, policy officers, NGOs, global networks of experts and facilitators were all very important and indispensable. The delegation believed that capacity building in the framework of intangible cultural heritage in emergency situations was another important issue. It also valued the new cooperation in the field of education and the safeguarding of intangible heritage in formal and non-formal education. The Education Sector needed to be made aware of the importance of intangible cultural heritage so that it formed part of education in heritage, and young people also needed to get on board. The delegation acknowledged the challenge and need for better management of the International Assistance mechanism for strengthening knowledge and capacities for the effective safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage. It was hoped that the budgetary conditions would allow the Secretariat to solve these issues.
- 137. The delegation of the Philippines congratulated the Secretariat for an excellent report and for its hard work, which was truly appreciated. One emerging issue mentioned that deserved