Participants in the training, Exhibition ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage in Africa’, Moufdi-Zakaria Palace of Culture, Algiers, Algeria. © CRESPIAF

As a key mechanism for the implementation of the 2003 Convention, the global network of facilitators supports and advises States worldwide in the implementation of the Convention. In this regard, 45 individuals from 20 African countries participated in a training of trainers workshop from 9 to 13 July 2019 in Algiers, Algeria.

The workshop brought together anthropologists, researchers in the field of culture or social sciences, as well as cultural officials from ministries or organizations working in the field of intangible cultural heritage. Inaugurated by Mrs Meriem Merdaci, Minister of Culture in Algeria, UNESCO’s Living Heritage Entity organized this training in collaboration with the Regional Centre for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Africa (CRESPIAF).

The new members of the network, with support from the experienced facilitators, were trained in their role as facilitators to provide training and advisory services to States and communities. Through a participatory methodology, the workshop familiarized participants with the key concepts of the Convention and the development of inventories and safeguarding plans. The participants also shared their experiences to identify key issues for safeguarding cultural heritage in Africa.

The 18 new facilitators brings the total number of global network members to 153, including 65 in Africa. This workshop strengthened the global network of facilitators to not only meet the high demand for capacity building in Africa, but to better equip the participants to address the evolving challenges on the continent, such as in the fields of education and sustainable development.