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Photos by Cliff Lucas
This editorially independent podcast has been supported by VISITFLANDERS as part of the “Game Changers” series of podcasts.
One decade later, we revisit Belgium’s fascinating campaign to have its beer culture seen as world heritage. 2026 will mark the ten-year anniversary of the UNESCO recognition of Belgian beer culture as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity (the only country in the world to do so).
The behind-the-scenes story of how Belgium pulled it off—with plot twists and political wrangling and strategic compromise—demonstrates the essence of the country’s character: ruthlessly pragmatic and quietly persuasive.
In this podcast, I spoke to the key players across the various language communities that were involved in the UNESCO nomination to find out how they did it and why it represents such an achievement.
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