ICA Recognizes 63 New Cultural Heritage Sites Worldwide

On October 2, 2026, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) announced the addition of 63 new inscriptions to its Cooperative Cultural Heritage List during the ICA Global Conference held in Panama. This significant expansion recognizes sites and living traditions from 39 countries, bringing the total to 95 inscriptions. The new entries include notable examples such as the culture of Jeju’s women divers from the Republic of Korea and traditional alpine practices from Switzerland. These inscriptions highlight the vital role of cooperative heritage in sustaining cultural livelihoods and facilitating intergenerational knowledge transmission.

The ICA’s Cooperative Cultural Heritage programme was launched in 2025, coinciding with the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives. Its mission is to identify, document, and celebrate the various practices and institutions through which cooperation has flourished globally. This initiative draws inspiration from UNESCO's recognition of the cooperative model as a significant cultural practice, emphasizing the importance of preserving cooperative memory alongside education and cultural exchange. At the conference, Tiago Schmidt, Chairperson of the ICA Working Group on Cooperative Cultural Heritage, emphasized how these inscriptions illustrate the support that collective organization provides to cultural livelihoods.

One highlighted cooperative was Panama’s Cooperativa de Servicios Múltiples Artesanías Sombrero Pinta’o del Norte de Penonomé, R.L., which plays a crucial role in safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage associated with the Pinta’o hat. This celebration placed the artisans and communities at the forefront, showcasing the human element behind the living heritage. The Pinta’o hat, a traditional craft, exemplifies the connection between cultural continuity and economic viability. Its production relies on local knowledge and collaborative efforts among artisans, from those who cultivate the raw materials to those who weave and finish the hats.

The cooperative model not only facilitates economic interests but also fosters community relationships essential for preserving cultural heritage. Looking ahead, the ICA aims to continue expanding its Cooperative Cultural Heritage List, encouraging more communities to engage in preserving their cooperative histories. This initiative has significant global implications, as it promotes cultural diversity and strengthens the understanding of cooperation as a living practice. By celebrating these traditions, the ICA hopes to inspire future generations to value and uphold cooperative principles in their communities.