Oman elected to UNESCO Intangible Heritage Committee for 2026-2030

The Sultanate of Oman achieved a significant milestone by being elected to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026-2030 term. This election, held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris during the 11th session of the Assembly of States Parties to the 2003 Convention, underscores Oman's growing international influence in cultural matters.

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The election marks a new milestone in Oman’s growing international role in culture and heritage.

Amna Salim Al Balushi, Oman’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, highlighted the progress in strengthening the Convention's governance and expanding capacity-building programs. She also expressed Oman's pride in the UNESCO-Sultan Haitham Prize for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage, an initiative that promotes best practices for preserving living heritage for future generations. Al Balushi also commended UNESCO's efforts to link intangible heritage with sustainable development, education, climate change, and artificial intelligence, emphasizing its relevance in addressing contemporary global challenges.

Oman reaffirmed its dedication to protecting intangible cultural heritage as a core element of its national identity. This commitment is demonstrated through the documentation of folk practices, preservation of traditions, and safeguarding of craft-related knowledge. The election will empower Oman to play a direct role in shaping international heritage policies, evaluating heritage elements for UNESCO lists, and directing resources to support safeguarding projects and build capacity in other nations.

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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.

This achievement reflects increasing international confidence in Oman's expertise and solidifies its position as a key partner in global endeavors to protect humanity's diverse cultural heritage for posterity.

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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.