Sharjah:The Sharjah Institute for Heritage has initiated a capacity-building workshop focused on the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, in collaboration with UNESCO. This workshop, which commenced on Monday, targets focal points identified under UNESCO's 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and includes participants from cultural and heritage institutions alongside experts from UNESCO.

According to Wam, the event is being held at the Arab Heritage Centre and is designed to enhance expertise in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage while promoting cooperation at both Arab and international levels.

The workshop is scheduled to continue until October 29, followed by a training programme from November 2 to November 5. Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Institute, emphasized that the workshop demonstrates the Institute's commitment to supporting initiatives that preserve intangible cultural heritage and develop expertise in related practices and systems.

Abu Bakr Al Kindi, Director of the Institute, highlighted the importance of hosting specialized training programmes to foster cooperation between Arab and international cultural and heritage institutions. He noted that such programmes are vital for sharing knowledge and experience and for enhancing professional skills.

The overarching goal of the two programmes is to improve the performance of focal points and strengthen expertise in preparing nomination files in accordance with the 2003 Convention, thereby enhancing institutional performance and professional practices in the field.