The Arab League Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization held, on October 2-3, 2023, in Muscat, Oman, the final meeting on the Arab Strategy for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Omani Minister of Heritage and Tourism.
The meeting began with opening remarks by the representations of the Omani Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization, and the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.
The opening remarks were followed by a presentation of the elements of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage. A capacity-building program for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage was also announced.
ALECSO was represented by Dr. Mourad Mahmoudi, Secretary of the Executive Board and General Conference, acting Director of the Culture Department, Dr. Fethi Jarray, Heritage Expert, and Mr. Abdelhadi Ghemari, Coordinator of Activities at the Culture Department.
Dr. Fethi Jarray presented the stages of preparation of the Arab Strategy for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Arab countries.
The meeting reviewed and adopted the first draft of the Strategy with its main thrusts, namely:
- Legislation and policies on heritage preservation;
- Inventorying, documentation, and studies on intangible cultural heritage;
- Reviving and promoting intangible cultural heritage elements;
- Inscription on UNESCO’s intangible heritage lists.
The meeting also discussed the mechanisms needed for the implementation of the Strategy in the Arab countries.
