The “Global Training of Trainers on Periodic Reporting under the 2003 Convention” was successfully held online from September 17 to 18, 2026. The event was co-organized by CRIHAP and the UNESCO Living Heritage Entity. Fumiko Ohinata, Secretary of the 2003 Convention delivered remarks at the opening session. Jing Zhang, Director of CRIHAP, attended the opening session.

The two-day training was facilitated by Maissoun Sharkawi and Linina Phuttitarn, lead facilitators accredited by UNESCO. More than 70 participants took part, including members of the Global Facilitators Network for intangible cultural heritage and representatives of Category 2 Centres. The training was designed to accompany the transition to the single global submission system for periodic reporting under the 2003 Convention, to update the knowledge and skills of facilitators and relevant Category 2 Centre personnel, and to introduce the new capacity-building approach and training modules in support of designated focal points in coordinating periodic reporting at the national level.

The training covered the new capacity-building methodology and blended delivery format, differentiated learning pathways, learning materials and the Practical Manual on Periodic Reporting. It included online self-paced micro-modules on understanding periodic reporting, work processes and an introduction to the reporting forms, as well as subsequent regional and sub-regional training plans and group work, and sessions on stakeholder mapping and the identification, collection and management of data.

Susanne Schnüttgen, Head of the Capacity Building and Heritage Policy Unit of the UNESCO Living Heritage Entity, delivered remarks at the closing session and presented the follow-up training plan. International facilitators will provide training and mentoring sessions to focal points from States Parties.