Created in 1970, the duty of CIOFF is safeguarding, promotion and diffusion of traditional culture and folklore.

Through this action, CIOFF has the following objectives:

• Promote the intangible heritage through such forms of expressions as dance, music, games, rituals, costums and other arts;
• Serve the objectives of UNESCO;
• Support the activities of its members and those of non-governmental organizations and all other institutions working in the field of cultural heritage;
• Serve the cause of peace, through the above objectives.