UNESCO has officially declared Italian gastronomy as Intangible Cultural Heritage of HumanityThe decision was made by the Intergovernmental Committee meeting in New Delhi, India, and represents recognition of a cultural system that unites tradition, identity, and sustainability.
The application, submitted in 2023 by the Italian Ministries of Culture and Agriculture, highlighted the theme "Italian cuisine: sustainability and biocultural diversity". On November 10, 2025, the UN agency's technical committee had already issued a favorable opinion, recommending its inclusion on the representative list.
The announcement was celebrated by the Italian government. In a video, the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni He stated that the recognition "honors who we are and our identity," emphasizing that Italian gastronomy "is not just food, but culture, tradition, work, and wealth."
According to Meloni, the Italian food system is based on production chains that combine quality and sustainability. "It grows with the excellence of the producers, is transformed by the mastery of the chefs, and is presented with dedication by restaurateurs and their teams," he said.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, present at the ceremony in India, stated that "each Italian recipe tells the story of a territory" and promotes a balanced and sustainable diet. He believes the achievement is the result of "teamwork."
Recognition that goes beyond the kitchen.
UNESCO's recognition values Italian gastronomy as an expression of a way of life. The application highlighted not only emblematic dishes such as pizza, pasta, and risotto, but also a system that includes regional traditions, seasonal cycles, agricultural biodiversity, and practices of family and community sharing.
According to the government, the decision could have positive economic impacts. The expectation is for an increase in tourist flows and enhanced value for small local businesses, such as agricultural producers and restaurants. It could also help protect the sector from imitations and unfair competition.
Italy on UNESCO's list
With the inclusion of gastronomy, Italy now has 19 elements inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, in addition to one in the Register of Good Practices. Italian cuisine is seen as an inclusive cultural model that transcends generations and borders.
Adherence to principles such as combating food waste and the conscious use of resources also reinforces the role of Italian gastronomy as an example of global sustainability.
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