The Sultanate of Oman showcased its pioneering experience in supporting capacity building and advancing the implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention in African countries during an event titled “Strengthening African Expertise in World Heritage”, held on the sidelines of the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea.

In remarks delivered by Ambassador Amna Salim Al Balushi, Oman’s Permanent Delegate to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Oman stressed that protecting World Heritage and promoting a more balanced representation on the World Heritage List require long-term strategic partnerships based on the exchange of expertise, knowledge transfer and the empowerment of national institutions as the foundation for sustainable development and safeguarding heritage for future generations.

Ambassador Al Balushi said that in partnership with UNESCO, Oman has been implementing a strategic programme since 2021 to support East African countries by strengthening national institutions, developing specialised expertise and empowering local communities to participate in the management of World Heritage sites, thereby promoting the sustainable implementation of the World Heritage Convention.

She noted that the programme has delivered significant results, including supporting the inscription of new African sites on the World Heritage List, updating the potential lists of several countries and training around 250 heritage professionals from across East Africa.

The initiative has helped develop qualified national expertise to manage heritage sites and prepare nomination files in line with international standards.

Ambassador Al Balushi said the initiative reflects Oman’s commitment to international cooperation and the sharing of expertise, as well as its belief that investing in capacity building is one of the key pillars for the effective implementation of the World Heritage Convention. She added that it also contributes to increasing the representation of African countries on the World Heritage List and establishing a sustainable framework for safeguarding cultural and natural heritage.

Oman reaffirmed its commitment to supporting international initiatives that advance the objectives of the World Heritage Convention, that strengthen cooperation among States Parties and that safeguard the world’s shared cultural heritage for present and future generations.