The 2024 ICH NGO Forum Symposium provided a space for NGOs to share experiences on the participation of communities, groups and individuals in decisions and actions for safeguarding intangible heritage. Introduced by Ms Fumiko Ohinata, Secretary of the 2003 Convention, the symposium highlighted key issues concerning the implementation of participatory policies across theoretical, ethical, methodological, and practical levels, many of which are further examined in this e-publication.