MEXICO CITY.- Big changes are coming to Mexico's cultural landscape! By agreement with President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the Secretariat of Culture announced today that Diego Prieto Hernández will head the brand-new Unit of Living Cultures, Intangible Heritage, and Interculturality (UCVPII). Meanwhile, Joel Omar Vázquez Herrera is stepping in as the new Director General of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).

These moves reflect a strong commitment from the Mexican government to boost the rights of Indigenous peoples, advance social justice, safeguard historical memory, and celebrate the nation's incredible cultural richness.

"Mexico is a nation of living cultures. A free, sovereign, and humanistic nation that finds one of its greatest assets in its cultural diversity," said Secretary of Culture Claudia Curiel de Icaza. "That's why, in line with the country's democratic transformation project, we've decided to create this new strategic area."

The UCVPII is set to be a game-changer, coordinating efforts to recognize Mexico's vast cultural diversity and ensure that everyone—from urban and rural communities to Indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples—can fully exercise their cultural rights. It will streamline government activities in the cultural sector, launching a comprehensive program that works across different federal agencies to promote respect for cultural diversity. This is seen as a vital step in strengthening Mexico's democratic and humanistic transformation.

Expect a packed agenda focused on empowering living cultures, with a strong emphasis on intercultural dialogue, community involvement, gender perspective, youth engagement, innovation within tradition, ancestral knowledge, and creativity. The unit will also serve as a key advisory body for government branches and institutions on matters of intangible heritage and popular cultures. It'll even coordinate the National Commission of Intangible Cultural Heritage and represent Mexico on international bodies like UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Prieto Hernández to Lead New Culture Unit

Taking the helm of the UCVPII is Diego Prieto Hernández, an anthropologist who has dedicated his career to protecting and researching Mexico's historical, archaeological, and anthropological treasures.

"I’m taking on this responsibility with enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment," Prieto Hernández stated. "I understand the importance the Fourth Transformation governments place on rescuing, respecting, and revaluing our original cultures. From the Unit of Living Cultures, we'll work hard to boost community participation in cultural life, promote measures to safeguard intangible heritage, and coordinate studies and records on the realities within our original communities and peoples."

Prieto Hernández is a graduate of the National School of Anthropology and History (ENAH) and holds master's degrees from UNAM and UAM. His extensive background includes teaching, research, and leadership roles within INAH, where he served as Director General since 2016. He's a recognized expert on social movements, cultural heritage, and Indigenous ethnography, with numerous awards to his name.

Joel Omar Vázquez Steps Up as INAH Director General

Meanwhile, anthropologist Joel Omar Vázquez Herrera is the new Director General of INAH, the body responsible for researching, preserving, and sharing Mexico's archaeological, anthropological, historical, and paleontological heritage.

With two decades in public service, Vázquez Herrera is a specialist in population policy and cultural heritage. His significant contributions at INAH since 2016 include twice directing the INAH Oaxaca Center, where he led the national reconstruction efforts to restore nearly 650 archaeological and historical sites damaged by the 2017, 2018, and 2020 earthquakes.

He's also been instrumental in strengthening the protected zone around Monte Albán, reopening the Ervin Frissell Museum in San Pablo Villa de Mitla, and updating regulations for the historical monuments zone of Oaxaca de Juárez. Plus, he's involved in restoring the Casa Odriozola, which will become a Restoration School for local youth.

Vázquez Herrera's academic work includes research on medical anthropology and civil services, and he co-edited the book Oaxaca Cultural Heritage: Recent Investigations. As the former National Coordinator of INAH Centers, he played a crucial role in decentralizing the institution and strengthening its regional and national operations. He has also taught at UAQ, helping shape the next generation of anthropologists and public servants.