In 2000, ICCROM presented the first World Heritage Global Training Strategy for Cultural Heritage.  In 2001, a combined strategy for culture and nature, developed by ICCROM and IUCN, was approved by the World Heritage Committee.  Since that time, ICCROM has been involved in the implementation and monitoring of Global Training Strategy, and has worked in partnership with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the other Advisory Bodies, IUCN and ICOMOS, to improve capacity for the better implementation of the World Heritage Convention.

In the nine years in which the strategy has been in operation, it has become clear that the situation for training has changed significantly, and there was a need to review and revise it to take into account the new realities on the ground.  Changes included the addition of a number of new providers of World Heritage capacity building such as universities, UNESCO Category II Centres, and other centres with World Heritage training components.  In addition, new priority areas have emerged such as disaster risk reduction, climate change, and sustainable development.  Finally, delivery methods for capacity building have greatly expanded given the diffusion of web-based means of communication. 

The review process for the Global Training Strategy was scheduled to be completed and the new World Heritage Capacity Building Strategy submitted to the World Heritage Committee for approval in 2011.  ICCROM, as the Advisory Body with primary responsibility for training issues, will take the lead role in the overall implementation and monitoring of this new strategy starting in the 2012-2013 biennium.

updated on: 27 January, 2012