The ninth session of UNESCO General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention 2003, held in Paris. Photo: Bao Quoc Te

The ninth session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is held at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, from Tuesday 5 to Thursday 7 July 2022.

Over three days, 180 States Parties are gathering to discuss issues that are important for the safeguarding of living heritage around the world and the future of the Convention. These include notably 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 organizations. In addition, twelve new members of the Committee will be elected.

Vietnam was elected to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2022-2026 term, making this the second time it has taken on the responsibility.

Elected with 120 votes, Vietnam's vote count is the highest among selected countries, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Voting took place during the ninth session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention in Paris.

Ambassador Le Thi Hong Van, Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to UNESCO. Photo: Bao Quoc Te

Ambassador Le Thi Hong Van, Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to UNESCO, said this is the second time that Vietnam has taken on this responsibility at UNESCO's key cultural governing body, after 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, in preserving and promoting the value of intangible heritage in the country and in the world.

Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage Le Thi Thu Hien (left) and Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation Tran Hai Van. Photo: Dai Phat Thanh va Truyen Hinh Ninh

Le Thi Thu Hien, Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage, said that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will develop specific plans focusing on the sharing of best practices in the protection and promotion of cultural heritage values, the realisation of the Convention’s goals for sustainable development, the promotion of UNESCO's priorities, and the improvement of awareness.

The Convention 2003 has been ratified by 180 countries, with Vietnam being among the first 30 entering the Convention.

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