Italy has achieved a historic milestone: Italian cuisine has been officially added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision came during the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee in New Delhi, India, where the recognition was granted unanimously. This honor does not celebrate a single dish or specific recipe. Instead, it recognizes the entire cultural system surrounding the preparation, sharing, and passing down of traditional Italian food—a rich tapestry of knowledge, rituals, everyday gestures, and social values that connect families and communities from north to south. UNESCO described this heritage as a catalyst for conviviality, creativity, and sustainability, capable of capturing diverse regional identities while fostering lasting social bonds.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, together with the Ministry of Culture and numerous Italian gastronomic institutions, worked extensively on the nomination. This is the first time in the world that a national culinary tradition has been recognized in its entirety. The UNESCO designation not only highlights the cultural significance of Italian cuisine, but also its role as a global ambassador for Italy. As such, it elevates the presence of local products, biodiversity, and sustainable food practices. This achievement celebrates the roots, memory, and welcoming spirit of the Italian table. It is also a testament to the collection of rich traditions passed down through generations, from one family to another, and from one region to the next.
