- perhaps lobby on some important issues. It thanked the Culture Sector, the Assistant Director-General for Culture and the Chairperson, adding that it was pleased to note the growing interest in the protection of intangible heritage in emergency situations and that there was broad and clear consensus on this subject. The delegation concluded by thanking the Secretariat. It was also pleased with the decision to strengthen the capacities of the Secretariat with three posts, asking that the Secretary kindly introduce all his team who were all so kind and efficient, and really deserved all the support. Finally, it congratulated all the States Parties elected and thanked all the outgoing members of the Committee.
- 477. The delegation of Jamaica offered its sincere thanks for the tremendous support it had received and it was heartened by the show of camaraderie, particularly among States Parties in Electoral Group III, in electing Jamaica as a member of the Committee. The delegation would not take this level of support for granted and it signalled its commitment as a SIDS to undertaking the work of the Convention and the Committee in protecting intangible cultural heritage for present and future generations. It encouraged States Parties to promote capacity building among local communities in an effort to support sustainable development through the utilization of their inscriptions. The delegation also encouraged greater collaboration among States in the implementation of the Convention and to focus on the synergies that other culture Conventions could provide. It took note of the increase in the number of programmes, even amid the shrinking budget. Despite this challenge, the delegation believed that a lot was possible with the tools in hand. It considered intangible cultural heritage to be of extreme significance in the country's identity , and Jamaica was proud that the musical heritage of the Maroons had been recognized through its inscription [on the Representative List] in 2008. It also looked forward to future inscriptions of reggae music and the new religion of Rastafari, which Jamaica had given the world. The delegation encouraged all States to work towards the recognition of their elements through inscription, and it reiterated its deepest appreciation for the overwhelming support.
- 478. The delegation of Saint Kitts and Nevis congratulated the newly elected States Parties and thanked the outgoing members of the Committee for their excellent observations and contributions to the further development of the Convention. In welcoming Jamaica to the Committee, the assembly recognized the importance of Caribbean SIDS in the pivotal role they play in representing the region. Jamaica would thus be well placed to address the challenges that SIDS face in developing an intangible cultural policy framework in terms of limited institutional capacity and the effects of devastating natural hazards as a result of climate change, but also in leading the way for the entire Caribbean region in terms of best practices and expertise. The delegation concluded by thanking the Secretariat for providing a very thorough and transparent session, which it fully appreciated, thanking the delegations for their insights.
- 479. The delegation of Cyprus congratulated the Chairperson and thanked the Secretariat for its excellent work. Considering that there would be a Bureau meeting the next day, it wondered whether it could be tabled for the afternoon session instead, which was declined.
- 480. The delegation of Cameroon congratulated the Chairperson and the Bureau members for their election and excellent conduct of the work of this important meeting. It thanked all the members on their election to the Committee, and it welcomed the spirit of dialogue and understanding that prevailed in Group V(a). Cameroon was committed to investing actively during its mandate to contribute to the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage for the promotion of peace in the world.
- 481. The delegation of Djibouti congratulated the Chairperson on her chairing of the session that led to the relevance and quality of the debates. It thanked the Secretariat for its outstanding work. Djibouti was delighted to be elected to the Committee for a four-year term. The delegation was aware of the responsibilities that weigh on its commitment to actively participate in the promotion and implementation of the Convention, as well as the formulation of new directions to ensure greater efficiency and impact. It warmly thanked all the countries that had lent their support to Djibouti, particularly the African Group.