Sultan Haitham bin Tarik visited UNESCO headquarters in Paris on Monday, where Oman announced the launch of a new international award dedicated to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
The visit formed part of the Sultan’s official trip to France and included meetings with UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany and senior Omani and UNESCO officials.
During the visit, Sultan Haitham toured the “Oman and UNESCO” exhibition, which highlights the long-standing partnership between the Sultanate and the UN cultural agency, including cooperation in education, culture and heritage preservation.
In a speech at UNESCO headquarters, the Sultan reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation, promoting intercultural dialogue and supporting sustainable development through education, science and culture.
He also announced the creation of the UNESCO–Sultan Haitham Prize for Intangible Cultural Heritage, which will recognise the work of institutions, research centres and organisations dedicated to preserving living cultural traditions.
The Sultan said Oman has supported UNESCO’s mission since joining the organisation in 1972 and highlighted the country’s efforts to protect its cultural heritage, expand renewable energy projects and contribute to international discussions on ethical artificial intelligence and climate action.
He stressed that dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect remain essential for promoting global peace and coexistence, while reaffirming Oman’s support for UNESCO’s work in education, science, culture and communication.
At the end of the visit, Sultan Haitham signed UNESCO’s distinguished visitors’ book and exchanged commemorative gifts with the organisation.
