PARIS: The Sultanate of Oman has been elected to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026‑2030 term, during the 11th session of the Assembly of States Parties to the 2003 Convention, held at Unesco headquarters in Paris. The election marks a new milestone in Oman’s growing international role in culture and heritage.
Amna bint Salim al Balushi, Oman’s Permanent Delegate to Unesco, expressed Oman’s appreciation for the Secretariat’s efforts and the progress made in strengthening governance of the Convention, expanding capacity‑building programmes, and supporting States Parties in implementing safeguarding initiatives.
She also highlighted Oman’s pride in the adoption of the Unesco‑Sultan Haitham Prize for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, describing it as an initiative that encourages best practices and reinforces international efforts to preserve and transmit living heritage to future generations.
She also commended the Secretariat’s initiatives linking intangible heritage to sustainable development, education, climate change and artificial intelligence, enhancing its relevance in addressing contemporary challenges.
She affirmed Oman’s commitment to protecting intangible cultural heritage as an integral part of its national identity, through documentation of folk practices, preservation of traditions and safeguarding of craft‑related knowledge.
The election will enable Oman to contribute directly to shaping international heritage policies, participate in evaluating and inscribing heritage elements on Unesco lists, and help direct resources to support safeguarding projects and build capacity in other States Parties.
The achievement reflects growing international confidence in Oman’s expertise and strengthens its position as an active partner in global efforts to protect humanity’s cultural heritage for future generations. — ONA
