Instructions and information for the national heritage catalog were adopted in the UNESCO Convention 2003. Albania ratified the Convention in 2006. Currently the Convention has been ratified by 178 countries.

The objectives of the Convention include:

• Protection of intangible cultural heritage.

• Respect for the intangible cultural heritage of diverse communities, groups and individuals.

• Promoting awareness of the importance of intangible cultural heritage and its mutual appreciation at the local, national and international levels.

• Promoting international cooperation and support.

The UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage deals with living forms of heritage. According to the Convention, these include e.g. craftsmanship and craftsmanship, performing arts, folklore, social practices, rituals and festive events, craftsmanship and knowledge and practices related to nature and the universe.