UNESCO representative highlights Vietnam’s leading role in protecting heritage

HANOI, 12th July, 2022 (WAM) — UNESCO representative in Vietnam Christian Manhart has highlighted Vietnam’s leading role in protecting intangible cultural heritage during an interview to Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on the occasion of the country’s election as a member of the Intergovernmental Committee of the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2022 – 2026 term.

Congratulating Vietnam on the success, Manhart noted that in the election 16 years ago, in June 2006, Vietnam was voted to this body very soon after the convention had entered into force.

This second time shows that Vietnam remains one of the most active members of UNESCO that stays ready to take up responsibilities in the complex international context of today, he said.

Elaborating on what UNESCO has done so far to help Vietnam in preserving and promoting the values of the intangible cultural heritage, including the removal of the intangible cultural heritage from the urgent safeguarding list, the representative said that the organisation has had various cooperation projects and activities in Vietnam to support the country and local efforts in safeguarding and promotion its rich and diverse cultural practices.

The UNESCO’s past cooperation mainly focused on capacity building, mobilising international expertise and good practices in heritage preservation, raising awareness and promoting a community-centred and rights-based approach in preserving intangible cultural heritage, collaborative research, advocating for heritage education, for the customary rights of local people, especially those living in protected areas, promoting the traditional crafts and tourism for better local benefits and sustainable development, he said.