ICCBICH – International Centre for Capacity Building in Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Arab States

About Us

The International Centre for Capacity Building in Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Arab States (ICCBICH) was designated as a UNESCO Category 2 Centre in 2021 under the auspices of UNESCO. Hosted by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, the Centre supports the implementation of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage across the Arab States through capacity building, technical cooperation, knowledge exchange and regional partnerships.

Mission

The Centre promotes sustainable safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage by strengthening institutional capacities, supporting communities and facilitating regional cooperation aligned with UNESCO's strategic priorities.

Vision

To become the leading regional hub for capacity building, knowledge sharing and cooperation in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage throughout the Arab States.

Our Objectives

• Promote the implementation of the 2003 UNESCO Convention.
• Strengthen regional and international cooperation.
• Increase community participation in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
• Enhance institutional capacities across Arab States.

Our Functions

The Centre develops capacity-building programmes, provides technical assistance to Member States, raises awareness of intangible cultural heritage, publishes knowledge resources, and builds regional networks that facilitate cooperation and exchange of expertise.

Our Journey

Since receiving UNESCO's approval as a Category 2 Centre, ICCBICH has achieved major milestones including feasibility studies, official agreements between UNESCO and the UAE Government, and the launch of regional capacity-building workshops supporting the implementation of the 2003 Convention.

UNESCO and ICH

UNESCO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for culture. The 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage provides the international framework for protecting living heritage, promoting cultural diversity and strengthening sustainable development.

UNESCO Category II Centres

UNESCO Category II Centres are legally independent institutions established through agreements between UNESCO and Member States. They function as international centres of excellence providing technical expertise, advisory services and regional cooperation supporting UNESCO's programme priorities.

Capacity Building

Capacity-building activities include regional workshops, facilitator training, technical programmes, roundtables and professional development initiatives supporting the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.