UAE Secures Prestigious Role on UNESCO Committee for Safeguarding Cultural Heritage

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been elected to serve on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (UNESCO) Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2024–2028 term.

This prestigious appointment was confirmed during the 10th Session of the General Assembly of States Parties to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held on June 11-12.

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, underscores global cooperation for preserving cultural heritage. Commends UAE's efforts in safeguarding historical and intangible heritage, fostering intercultural dialogue, and UNESCO recognition.

Sheikh Salem bin Khaled Al Qassimi, UAE Culture Minister, highlights the nation's strides in preserving cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible. With 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO's Lists, the UAE leads globally. The commitment involves collaboration with cultural entities and international organizations to safeguard and promote awareness of cultural heritage's significance worldwide.

Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, highlights UAE's role in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee, emphasizing its commitment to preserving global heritage, fostering sustainable development, promoting peace, and facilitating cultural dialogue.

Ali Alhaj Al Ali, Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of the UAE to UNESCO, added,

“The UAE’s nomination to serve in the prestigious UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage is a testament to the international community’s trust in the UAE’s expertise and longstanding commitment towards the protection of intangible cultural heritage at the national, regional, and global levels.”

This marks the second time the UAE secures a seat on this influential Committee, reflecting its deep commitment and extensive expertise in the areas covered by the 2003 Convention.

The UAE's new role is a recognition of its significant contributions to supporting communities and heritage practitioners in preserving and transmitting historical legacies.

Notably, the UAE ranks first in the Arab region in the number of elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Lists of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Over the next four years, the UAE will continue its cooperation with other Member States to advance the objectives of the 2003 Convention, provide guidance on best practices, and offer recommendations for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

The UAE has signed an agreement with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) to support Arab countries in Africa to submit joint files for inscription on the UNESCO Representative Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The UAE is leveraging its extensive experience in the field of registering intangible heritage to strengthen the role of Arab heritage as a significant part of world heritage.

The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage is composed of 24 States Parties elected for a four-year term by the General Assembly of States Parties and meets annually.

During its tenure, the UAE aims to further its unwavering commitment to intangible heritage preservation as a committee member, including by examining requests for heritage inscriptions and as well as proposals for programmes and projects.

News Source: Emirates News Agency