Vanessa Achilles is an independent researcher focusing on the links between intangible cultural heritage, sustainable development and education. She has contributed to the design and facilitation of global reflection processes, capacity-building programmes and policy dialogues under the 2003 Convention. From 2012 to 2017, she coordinated the capacity-building programme and led ICH-related projects in Asia-Pacific at UNESCO Bangkok. She has worked extensively with educators on integrating ICH into formal and non-formal education, developing guides, online courses and dedicated learning resources. Her work includes research, policy papers and technical publications on safeguarding practices and the role of living heritage in education and development.