Remarks of UNESCO Representative to Viet Nam, Christian Manhart 20 th Anniversary of Convention on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage / Hung King Festival

The 20 th Anniversary of Convention on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage / Hung King Festival

Honorable Deputy Prime Minister, Your Excellency Mr Tran Hong Ha
Honorable leaders of the government and the party,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of UNESCO, I am very honoured to be here with you in this great
celebration.
Intangible cultural heritage is an integral part of human life worldwide. It has both
social and economic significance, as it promotes social cohesion and helps
individuals to feel part of society. What is quite unique, the Vietnamese
government has well understood to place all aspects of culture to foster
economic development.
To enable living heritage to be transmitted, it must be identified as such and
valued by the people. Exactly to fulfill this essential role, the Convention for the
Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was adopted by the UNESCO
Member States during the General Conference in November 2003.
Viet Nam ratified less than 2 years later, and now has already 15 elements
inscribed. I would like to congratulate to the successful election for a second time
of Viet Nam to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of
Intangible Cultural Heritage, last year.
This shows that Viet Nam remains one of the most active members of UNESCO,
ready to take up responsibilities in the complex international context of today.
With this success, Viet Nam is assuming important roles in almost all UNESCO
mechanisms, and demonstrates that Viet Nam can provide advice to other
countries around the world in the field of culture.
A key principle in preserving cultural heritage is to ensure participation of all
stakeholders, especially the communities and ethnic minorities, not only in the
practicing but also in management and decision making about their heritage.
As next week will take place the commemoration of the Hung Kings, I share the
joy of all communities and Phu Tho Provincial leaders who gather to express
their love and support for this very special heritage.

Finally, on behalf of UNESCO, I congratulate and thank the Government of Viet
Nam, in particular the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the leadership of
provinces, the UNESCO National Commission, local communities, folk artisans
and all those who have contributed to the inscription of 15 elements.
I am now looking very much forward to the performance this evening and I am
eager to witness the emotion and passion of the performers.

Some other photos at the event: