Oman Elected to UNESCO Intangible
Heritage Committee for 2026‑2030 Term

Paris, 17 Jun 2026 (ONA) — 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 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.

— Ends/Khalid