BUSAN : Oman has showcased its pioneering role in strengthening heritage expertise across Africa, highlighting a strategic programme that has trained around 250 specialists and supported the inclusion of new African sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Oman presented its experience during a side event titled “Strengthening African Expertise in World Heritage,” held on the sidelines of the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea. The session is being held from July 19 to 29, 2026.

Addressing the event, Her Excellency Ambassador Amna bint Salim Al Balushi, Permanent Delegate of the Sultanate of Oman to UNESCO, said protecting world heritage and ensuring balanced representation on the World Heritage List required long-term strategic partnerships.

She said such partnerships must be built on the exchange of expertise, transfer of knowledge and empowerment of national institutions, describing these elements as essential for sustainable development and the preservation of heritage for future generations.

Her Excellency explained that Oman, in partnership with UNESCO, has been implementing a strategic programme since 2021 to support East African countries.

The initiative focuses on strengthening national institutions, developing specialised expertise and enabling local communities to participate in the management of World Heritage sites. It also aims to promote the sustainable implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention.

The programme has delivered significant results, including supporting the inscription of new African sites on the World Heritage List and helping several countries update their tentative lists.

Around 250 heritage specialists from East African countries have also received training under the initiative. The programme has helped develop qualified national professionals capable of managing heritage sites and preparing nomination files in accordance with international standards.

Her Excellency said the initiative reflected Oman’s commitment to international cooperation and the sharing of knowledge and experience.

She stressed that investment in capacity building was one of the most important pillars of the effective implementation of the World Heritage Convention. Such efforts, she added, would strengthen Africa’s presence on the World Heritage List and help establish sustainable systems for protecting cultural and natural heritage.

Oman renewed its commitment to supporting international initiatives aimed at achieving the objectives of the World Heritage Convention, strengthening cooperation among States Parties and protecting humanity’s shared heritage for present and future generations.

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