UNESCO Workshop Enhances Intangible Heritage Safeguarding

From September 8 to 10, 2026, UNESCO's Regional Office in Almaty conducted a three-day capacity-building workshop. This event aimed to enhance the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage through the collaborative efforts of museum professionals from Central Asia. During the workshop, participants developed practical tools to integrate living heritage into museum exhibitions, conservation efforts, research projects, and other relevant activities. The initiative highlights the role of museums in preserving and promoting cultural heritage in the region.

The second day of the workshop focused on connecting international policy developments with rights-based approaches to museum safeguarding practices. Participants engaged in discussions about critical issues such as intellectual property, cultural authority, and the responsibilities of museums. These conversations were essential for understanding how museums contribute to research, documentation, digitization, interpretation, and dissemination of living heritage, increasingly recognized as a vital aspect of cultural preservation.

A central theme of the workshop was the application of seven safeguarding steps, which provided a framework for museum activities related to intangible cultural heritage. These steps offered participants a structured approach to navigating the complexities of safeguarding living heritage in their respective contexts. The workshop also included a hands-on practicum, allowing participants to apply the concepts discussed in real-world scenarios.

Key stakeholders in this initiative included museum professionals, cultural heritage experts, and representatives from UNESCO. Their collective efforts aimed to build capacity within Central Asian museums, empowering them to take an active role in preserving intangible cultural heritage. By fostering collaboration among professionals in the region, the workshop sought to promote a shared understanding of best practices in cultural heritage safeguarding.

The future outlook for this initiative is promising, as it lays the groundwork for ongoing collaboration and capacity building within the region’s museums. The insights gained from the workshop may lead to the development of further training programs and resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by museum professionals in Central Asia. This workshop contributes to the safeguarding of intangible heritage while reinforcing the significance of cultural heritage preservation on a global scale.