Vietnam was elected vice-chair of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage at its 18th session in Kasane, Botswana (December 8). This is the second such role for Vietnam, which was previously chosen to represent the Asia-Pacific region for 2006-2010.
According to Ambassador Lê Thị Hồng Vân, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to UNESCO, becoming vice-chairman of probably the most necessary specialized committees of UNESCO confirms Vietnam’s position and repute at the worldwide level. It reflects the international community’s support and confidence in Vietnam’s ability to contribute and lead at UNESCO.
Moreover, this recognition also reflects Vietnam’s positive contribution to cooperation in the sphere of culture on the whole and intangible cultural heritage particularly. In doing so, it helps promote the role of Vietnamese culture and cultural heritage more broadly.
It can be a manifestation of Vietnam’s success in implementing a foreign policy based on multilateralization, diversification and comprehensive international integration within the spirit of the resolution of the thirteenth National Party Congress. Ambassador Vân said this achievement is according to the directive of the Party Central Committee Secretariat to Strengthen and Improve Multilateral Diplomacy by 2030.
As Vice-Chair of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, Vietnam is anticipated to be simpler in achieving and implementing the goals and priorities of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003 Convention). This is anticipated to reinforce the numerous role of intangible cultural heritage as a driver for sustainable development, cultural diversity, creativity and intercultural dialogue. It may also strengthen community engagement, especially women and youth.
The 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage took place on December 4-9, attended by over 500 delegates and observers from 24 member states, international organizations and non-governmental organizations in the sphere of culture and art.
The UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, composed of 24 members, plays a key role as UNESCO’s primary executive body in efforts to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage. It is chargeable for making decisions on key issues related to the popularity of intangible cultural heritage, allocating resources to support the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage in various countries, and formulating policies and guidelines for the event of the 2003 Convention.
