International Centre for Capacity Building in Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Arab States (ICCBICH)
The Sharjah Institute for Heritage was designated as a UNESCO Category II Centre in 2021, becoming the International Centre for Capacity Building in Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Arab States. It operates within the framework of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, implementing capacity-building programmes and regional cooperation networks that support UNESCO's strategic plans across the Arab States and contribute to sustainable development through intangible cultural heritage.
Mission
Implement the 2003 Convention through capacity building, technical assistance, knowledge exchange and regional cooperation.
Vision
To be the leading regional centre for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage in the Arab States.
Our Objectives
Promote the 2003 Convention and contribute to its implementation.
Strengthen regional and international cooperation for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
Increase the participation of communities, groups and individuals in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
Enhance institutional capacities for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage in the Arab States.
Our Functions
Capacity Building and Training: preparing and qualifying national and Arab experts, and developing their skills.
Technical Support for the 2003 Convention.
Knowledge and Awareness.
Community Partnerships.
Our Journey
UAE National Commission supports the nomination of Sharjah Institute for Heritage to join UNESCO Category II Centres.
Feasibility study by UNESCO expert Ahmed Skounti, and official UNESCO approval granting the Institute Category II Centre status during the 40th General Conference in Paris, 2019.
Agreement signed between UNESCO and the UAE Government establishing the Centre in Sharjah.
Launch of the first regional workshop for National Focal Points.
UNESCO & ICH
UNESCO supports Member States in safeguarding cultural heritage through the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
ich.unesco.orgCategory II Centres
Category II Centres are legally independent institutions supporting UNESCO through technical expertise and regional cooperation.
ich.unesco.org/category2Capacity Building
- 2022
Regional Workshop for National Focal Points.
- 2023
Regional Workshop for New Facilitators.
- 2024
Training Workshop for Centre Staff.
- 2025
Roundtable on Intangible Cultural Heritage in Urban Communities.
- 2026
Training Workshop on the 2003 Convention.
Strategic Impact
Supporting sustainable development through safeguarding intangible cultural heritage across the Arab States.
Galleries
Agreement between the Government of the UAE and UNESCO
The agreement establishing the International Centre for Capacity Building in Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Arab States in the Emirate of Sharjah as a Category 2 Centre under the auspices of UNESCO. Signed 8 December 2021.