Viet Nam was elected Vice Chair of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage at its 18th session in Kasane, Botswana (December 8). This is the second time Viet Nam has held the position, having previously been elected to represent the Asia-Pacific region for the period 2006-2010.
According to Ambassador Lê Thị Hồng Vân, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to UNESCO, becoming Vice Chair of one of UNESCO's most important specialized committees confirms Viet Nam's position and reputation at the global level. It reflects the support and confidence of the international community in Viet Nam's ability to contribute and lead within UNESCO.
Moreover, this recognition also reflects Viet Nam's positive contribution to cooperation in the field of culture in general and intangible cultural heritage in particular. As such, it helps to promote the role of Vietnamese culture and cultural heritage more widely.
It is also a manifestation of Viet Nam's success in implementing its foreign policy of multilateralization, diversification, and all-round international integration in the spirit of the resolution of the 13th National Party Congress. Ambassador Vân said that this achievement is in line with the Party Central Committee Secretariat's directive to strengthen and improve multilateral diplomacy by 2030.
As Vice Chair of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Viet Nam is expected to be more effective in achieving and implementing the goals and priorities of the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003 Convention). This is expected to enhance the significant role of intangible cultural heritage as a driving force for sustainable development, cultural diversity, creativity, and intercultural dialogue. It will also strengthen the involvement of communities, especially women and youth.
The 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage took place from 4-9 December, with the participation of more than 500 delegates and observers from 24 Member States, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations in the field of culture and the arts.
The UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, consisting of 24 members, plays a key role as the main executive body of UNESCO in the efforts to protect the intangible cultural heritage. It is responsible for making decisions on key issues related to the recognition of intangible cultural heritage, allocating funds to support the preservation of intangible cultural heritage in various countries, and formulating policies and guidelines for the development of the 2003 Convention.
