The Intervision Song Contest 2026, although already having incoming news (Like Thailand's invitation to the contest), might be too early to discuss. One thing that the contest will keep standing for in the upcoming years seems to be its so-called 'traditional values', which, as the organisers believe, differentiates it from Eurovision. The Intervision Song Contest claims to be more than just a musical competition; it is envisioned as a profound cultural platform guided by Traditional Values. These principles aim to shape an event that celebrates national uniqueness, fosters strong international ties, and promotes universal human ideals through the universal language of music. But what are its values? Well, the Organizer has clarified these seven values when explaining the rules the songs must follow to participate.
1. Respect for National Identity
This value requires that every song and performance authentically honors and represents the cultural, historical, and linguistic heritage of the participating nation. It ensures that the contest is a genuine mosaic of global cultures, respecting the national symbols and self-perception of each country without imposing external homogenizing forces.
2. Strengthening International Relations
The contest is viewed as a significant act of cultural diplomacy. The music, the collaborative process, and the broadcast itself are intended to promote mutual trust, understanding, and positive interaction among nations. It champions a cooperative atmosphere where sharing and goodwill are key components of the competitive spirit.
3. Traditional Universal and Family Values
Entries are encouraged to reflect and uphold widely accepted moral and ethical standards, often centered around family structure, compassion, honesty, and responsibility. This focuses on themes that resonate across different cultures and promote the societal principles deemed foundational for community well-being.
4. Spiritual Ideals, Openness of Countries
This principle balances the deep expression of a nation’s spiritual or philosophical ethos with a commitment to openness and accessibility. It allows participants to share their deepest guiding beliefs while operating within a transparent, inclusive, and communicative framework that respects differing viewpoints.
5. Uniqueness of Countries
Beyond mere respect, this value actively demands the celebration and highlighting of cultural distinctiveness. The contest becomes a showcase for the specific, inimitable art forms, musical styles, fashion, and traditions that make each country special, ensuring the overall event is rich in global flavor.
6. Progress of Countries
The songs and stage presentations can serve to reflect the positive development and forward momentum of the participating nations. This involves showcasing achievements in arts, technology, and social progress, emphasizing themes of hope, innovation, and successful adaptation to modern challenges.
7. Support of Talents
The contest acts as a committed platform for the discovery, nurturing, and promotion of diverse artistic and creative talent. By providing high visibility and resources, INTERVISION seeks to empower artists, musicians, and songwriters from all member countries, ensuring a vibrant and continuously evolving pool of global artistic voices.
The Intervision Song Contest, anchored by these seven traditional values, aspires to be a powerful model for constructive international engagement. By demanding authenticity (National Identity, Uniqueness), promoting constructive themes (Progress, Universal Values), and fostering collaboration (International Relations, Support of Talents, Spiritual Ideals), the event seeks to transcend simple entertainment. It aims to become a yearly cultural beacon where music serves as a harmonizing force, celebrating the world's complexity while affirming the shared humanity that binds all nations together.
Written by Manios Themis
Intervision Song Contest specialist. Combines a Computer Science background with exhaustive knowledge of every edition (1965 Golden Clef, 1977–1980 Sopot era, 2025 revival, and Saudi Arabia 2026). Author and curator of the most complete independent Intervision archive online.
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