Through Two Workshops: (SIH) and UNESCO Strengthen the Capabilities of Arab Professionals in Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The Capacity-Building Workshop for Focal Points under the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Arab States commenced today, Monday, at the Regional Workshop Hall of the Arab Heritage Centre at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage. The workshop brings together representatives of cultural and heritage institutions and organisations, as well as experts and facilitators from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The programme aims to develop specialised expertise and strengthen Arab and international cooperation in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

The workshop will run until 29 October, followed by further training programmes from 2 to 5 November, focusing on capacity-building for the preparation of nomination files under the 2003 Convention. These sessions will enable participants to enhance their knowledge and practical skills in preparing nomination files in accordance with the Convention’s established frameworks.

Capacity Building: A Cornerstone of Heritage Safeguarding

Addressing the workshop’s opening session, Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, affirmed that organising these workshops reflects the Institute’s commitment to supporting Arab and international efforts to safeguard intangible cultural heritage and promote specialised knowledge of the practices and mechanisms adopted in this field.

He noted that investing in the capacity building of professionals working in the heritage sector is essential to ensuring the sustainability of cultural heritage, advancing methods of documentation and protection, and transmitting heritage to future generations. He also underscored the importance of partnerships with UNESCO and relevant institutions in exchanging expertise and coordinating efforts to protect humanity’s shared heritage.

Partnerships to Advance Arab Heritage Work

For his part, Abu Bakr Al Kindi, Director of the Institute, highlighted the importance of hosting specialised training programmes in strengthening cooperation between Arab and international cultural and heritage institutions. He emphasised the value of providing a knowledge-sharing environment in which specialists can exchange experiences and develop their professional skills.

He explained that the two programmes offer an opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of focal points and develop expertise in preparing nomination files under the 2003 Convention. This, he noted, will improve institutional performance and reinforce professional practices dedicated to safeguarding and protecting intangible cultural heritage.

Developing Specialists and Enhancing Expertise

Aisha Rashid Al Hessan Al Shamsi, Director of the International Centre for Capacity Building in the Field of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Arab States, highlighted the role of training programmes in expanding the knowledge of professionals working in intangible cultural heritage and familiarising them with the methodologies and mechanisms involved in its documentation, safeguarding and nomination procedures.

She added that the diversity of the two programmes’ themes—from building the capacity of focal points to preparing nomination files—creates valuable opportunities for participants to exchange expertise, strengthen their professional performance and enhance their ability to contribute to protecting cultural heritage as an integral part of communities’ identities and collective memory.

Knowledge-Sharing to Safeguard Living Heritage

These programmes form part of broader efforts to strengthen integration between national institutions and international organisations and develop specialised expertise in intangible cultural heritage. They aim to support the sustainability of heritage elements and practices while enhancing their visibility and presence in future initiatives and programmes dedicated to their protection and promotion.