The 10th General Assembly of the Inter-City Intangible Cultural Cooperation Network (ICCN) was held with great success in Gangneung, South Korea, from May 28 to 31, 2025. More than just an international meeting, this Assembly was a heartfelt reunion of cultural minds and cities committed to the safeguarding of intangible heritage, convened in a city of exceptional historical and symbolic significance.
This year’s Assembly took place in conjunction with the Gangneung Danoje Festival, one of Korea’s most cherished cultural traditions. The Danoje Festival, with roots tracing back over a thousand years, is a living example of vibrant, community-centered intangible heritage. Its global recognition was affirmed two decades ago when UNESCO inscribed it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2005. By embedding the ICCN General Assembly within this grand cultural event, the organizers created a rich context where formal dialogue, policy-making, and celebration coexisted seamlessly.
A Return to the Birthplace of ICCN
Adding deeper meaning to the event, Gangneung is the very birthplace of the ICCN organization. In his presidential address, Dr. V. Jayarajan, the current Secretary General of ICCN, emphasized the profound symbolic value of returning to where the idea of global inter-city cooperation for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage was first born.
“This General Assembly is not just another milestone,” said Dr. Jayarajan, “but a homecoming — a chance to reconnect with our origins while reimagining the future. Gangneung embodies the spirit of ICCN — where tradition, community, and continuity converge.”
His words resonated powerfully with the delegates, many of whom were attending their first ICCN Assembly in this historic city.
A Dynamic Three-Day Program
Day 1: A Cultural Welcome
The opening day set the tone with a warm reception and a traditional performance of the Gwanno Mask Drama, a featured element of the Danoje Festival. Following opening remarks from the Deputy Mayor of Gangneung and other dignitaries, Dr. Jayarajan officially outlined the Assembly’s objectives, reaffirming the network’s commitment to cultural solidarity and shared knowledge.
Professor Lim Dong-hee from Dongguk University delivered an insightful keynote address on the role of intangible cultural heritage in promoting global peace and unity. The day closed with commemorative photographs and a formal dinner reception, providing delegates an early taste of Korean hospitality and cultural richness.
Day 2: Dialogue Across Borders
The second day featured deep thematic discussions under the title, “Heritage Without Borders: Building a Shared Future through Intangible Heritage.” Experts and cultural scholars such as Jihon Kim (Korean National Commission for UNESCO), Prof. Jeong-ryong Jang, and Prof. Hyeong-geun Kim explored pressing themes including globalization, policy frameworks, cultural sustainability, and the evolving role of heritage in identity formation.
Country and city presentations followed, including contributions from France, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Latvia, Slovakia, and Spain, providing real-world examples of preservation efforts and community engagement.
The highlight of the evening came when delegates joined the Danoje Street Parade, marching with local performers and festival-goers through Gangneung’s decorated streets. The parade wasn’t just an observance—it was an immersion. Delegates didn’t just witness the festival; they became a part of it.
Day 3: Decisions and Cultural Immersion
The final day focused on strategic decisions and future planning. The Assembly reviewed key agenda items and formally adopted the 2025 Gangneung Declaration, reinforcing ICCN’s commitment to global cultural cooperation. Plans for the next thematic workshop in Iran were welcomed, although the decision on the 2026 host city was deferred due to limited in-person participation.
The afternoon unfolded with performances from Slovakia and Latvia, followed by a visit to the Lotte Liquor Experience, where delegates explored Korea’s centuries-old brewing traditions. A final communal dinner brought together delegates and performers alike, ending the Assembly on a note of warmth and shared spirit.
Strategic Outcomes and Recommendations
The Executive Board ratified several key resolutions:
▶ Establishment of annual Executive Board Meetings
▶ Expansion of ICCN Regional Offices to improve program delivery
▶ Launch of virtual platforms for training, conferences, and cross-border collaboration
▶ Recommendation that each ICCN member city appoint a permanent, non-political contact person to ensure organizational continuity
These structural decisions are expected to strengthen the ICCN’s ability to sustain momentum and build deeper cooperation across its growing network of member cities.
An Assembly Woven into Living Tradition
By integrating the 10th ICCN General Assembly into the UNESCO-accredited Gangneung Danoje Festival, this event became more than a formal gathering — it became a symbolic convergence of tradition, internationalism, and community. Delegates left not only with policy documents and plans but also with indelible memories of parades, performances, and human connection.
With the heart of the ICCN now beating stronger than ever from its birthplace, the path forward is clear: to cherish, protect, and promote intangible cultural heritage as a foundation for peace, identity, and sustainable global relationships.