In the framework of the collaboration between the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (MoC) and The International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), its Regional Office in Sharjah (ICCROM-Sharjah) designed, organized and launched a comprehensive capacity-building training on International Cultural Heritage Conventions and other Cultural programmes, called “Experts Program” for Qualifying Specialists in UNESCO Conventions and Programs.
The training programme aims at building a select group of experts from Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries for the implementation of five international cultural heritage Conventions and two cultural programmes at the highest professional level. In particular, the training focuses on the preparation of nomination files, periodic monitoring reports, how to elaborate related policies and action plans, and prepare participants to represent their countries in international organizations.
The “Experts Program” for Qualifying Specialists in UNESCO Conventions and Programmes was inaugurated on 6 February and is being conducted and facilitated by international experts and several guest speakers who deliver scientific contributions in relation to various topics. The structure combines different formats, such as online and in-person lectures, interactive exercises, hands-on activities undertaken in working groups, as well as homework assignments and readings of select resources.
The training programme combines the following conventions and programmes:
International Cultural Heritage Conventions
1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its 1999 Protocol; 1970 Convention of Means of Prohibiting and Preventing of Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property; 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage; 2001 Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage; 2003 Convention on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Cultural Programmes
Industrial Heritage Programme; Creative Cities Network.