A new capacity-building project is being launched, thanks to the generous contribution of the Government of Azerbaijan. The project continues the efforts to implement the main principles of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Guatemala′s institutional structures and local social organizations.

A capacity-building workshop on the implementation of the 2003 Convention at the national level will be held in Guatemala City from 3 to 7 April 2017. This marks the beginning of a series of activities being organized in close cooperation with the Vice-Ministry of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Guatemala throughout 2017.

The workshop will involve municipal personnel from several localities of Guatemala, personnel from the Ministry of Culture and Sport, as well as representatives of civil society and communities that act as the bearers of intangible cultural heritage.

This first activity aims to raise awareness among local and national actors about the principles, scope and objectives of the Convention, with a view to highlighting its effectiveness as a tool to guarantee the continuity of living heritage. Over the course of the five days of work, sessions and practical exercises will focus on the governing principles of the Convention. Numerous topics will be addressed, including the establishment of concrete safeguarding measures within the framework of the Convention; the inclusion of the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage in national and local policies; and the role played by communities and civil society.