The Sub-Regional Meeting for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Safeguarding in South-East Asia opened in Ha Noi on October 6, bringing together many representatives from Southeast Asian nations.
A performance of Then singing, which was recognised as Vietnam's National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2012 (Photo: VNA)
The two-day event is co-organised by the Institute of Music under the Viet Nam National Academy of Music and the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia - Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (ICHCAP).
The event seeks to increase regional co-operation in protecting intangible cultural heritages as the world has seen many changes and faces challenges resulting from trends of urbanisation, industrialisation and globalisation.
Addressing the opening ceremony, ICHCAP Director-General Kwon Huh said that the Southeast Asian region possesses a number of intangible cultural heritages, and all Southeast Asian countries share a common concern in safeguarding cultural heritage.
He praised the countries’ increasing awareness of the importance of intangible cultural heritage as well as their comprehensive approach to connecting tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the development of culture in communities.
He noted with pleasure that governments and people of the countries have put forward many initiatives and measures to preserve culture while implementing strategies on linking cultural preservation and tourism development.
Delegates at the event shared their opinions about the role of the community in safeguarding intangible cultural heritages and exchanging experiences of their countries in dealing with the issue.
Viet Nam’s Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Dang Thi Bich Lien affirmed that intangible cultural heritage is the essence of each community and nation, representing its cultural identity.
In today’s globalisation, it is necessary for every country to protect and uphold their intangible cultural heritage, she stressed.
Viet Nam proudly possesses an assortment of cultural treasures from its 54 ethnic groups, she said, adding that the country has rallied efforts to safeguard and promote the value of its intangible cultural heritage.