Eight members of UNESCO’s Global Network of Facilitators were also invited to share about their work experiences and insights into local cases, arousing positive responses from and heated discussions among the trainees. Also, Wang Yan, deputy director of Suzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection and Management Office, shared about the general situation of ICH safeguarding in Suzhou, East China’s Jiangsu province as well as the city’s successful experiences in ICH safeguarding.

At a time when the Convention will soon reach its 20th “birthday” , it is of great significance for UNESCO to hold the first Global Capacity Building Workshop for the Training of Trainers on Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding, said Susanne Schnuttgen, head of UNESCO’s Capacity Building and Heritage Policy Unit, Living Heritage Entity, at the closing session of the workshop. She thanked CRIHAP for its long-time support of UNESCO’s Global Capacity Building Strategy, adding that she looked forward to seeing in-depth collaboration between the two sides.