Vietnam highly appreciated for protection of intangible cultural heritage

At the ninth session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention 2003, which took place in Paris, France, from July 5-7, Vietnam is highly appreciated for itsefforts in protecting intangible cultural heritages and making an important contribution to the picture of human cultural diversity.

The Vietnamese delegation attending the meeting included Ambassador Le Thi Hong Van, Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to UNESCO and representatives of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Over the three days, 180 member countries gathered to discuss important issues for the safeguarding of living heritages around the world as well as the future of the convention. These included the global reflection on the listing mechanisms of the convention, the plan for the use of the resources of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund, and the accreditation of non-governmental organisations.

Within the framework of its session on July 6, the congress elected twelve new members of the Committee for the 2022-2026 term.

Vietnam was elected to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2022-2026 term with 120 votes – the highest among the elected countries.

This is the second time that Vietnam has taken on this responsibility at UNESCO's key cultural governing body, following the 2006-2010 term.

This is of great significance in many aspects, showing the country's increasing position and prestige in the international arena, as well as the international community’s confidence in its contribution to and administration capacity in the global multilateral institutions, and recognition of Vietnam's contributions in relations with UNESCO and in preserving and promoting the value of intangible heritages in the country and in the world.

Along with being a member of the Executive Council for the 2021-2025 term and a member of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of Diversity of Cultural Expressions for the 2021-2025 tenure, becoming a member of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 Convention offers an opportunity for Vietnam to contribute more actively to UNESCO’s major programmes and orientations in general and to the culture field in particular, thus affirming its role and prestige withinUNESCO and in the international arena.