Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Dung delivers his speech at the opening ceremony

The “2018 Asia-Pacific ICH NGO Conference” will be held from November 6th to 8th in Hue city with the theme “ICH NGOs towards Sustainable Development of Communities” with a focus on contributions of NGOs to Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) safeguarding as well as the roles of education quality and community in this field.

At the opening ceremony, the Board of Organization hoped the results of the conference would play as a foundation to initiate or empower NGOs to join hands in safeguarding ICHs in Asia-Pacific region.

Hue Royal Court Music performed at the Conference

On behalf of Thua Thien Hue provincial leaders, Mr. Nguyen Dung – Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee attended and delivered a speech at the Conference. “I hope that we will join hands to find effective solutions for the ICH’s safeguard; promote strength and responsibility of each individual, communities, governments and party committees of all levels to develop an ICH preservation system,” emphasized the Vice Chairman.

In the Introductive Presentation at the Conference, Dr. Marc Jacobs – Director of the Flemish Interface for Cultural Heritage (FARO) claimed: “The definition of NGOs should not be limited in the local communities; instead, it should be widened to the whole Community, Groups and Individuals (CGIs). This will mobilize contribution responsibility of many people in the society in safeguarding ICHs.”

Mr. Kwon Huh – ICHCAP Director General

Mr. Knon Huh – Director General of ICHCAP appreciated NGOs’ roles in ICH conservation. “In the next few days, we will learn about how NGOs contribute to ICHs conservation practice. I hope there would be active interactions from the participants, and we could inspire each other in our effort in safeguarding ICHs better,” said Mr. Huh.

After the opening ceremony, the conference’s first session themed “NGO’s Role for ICHs safeguarding” took place. In the session, the representatives discussed the following issues: Working Together to Achieve the Goals of 2003 Convention and Contributing to Sustainable Development; Civil Society Agencies Adding Value; and NGO’s Role for ICH Safeguarding in China.

As this is an open conference, all enthusiasts are welcomed to its sessions.

Story, Photos: Dong Van