Vietnam elected to UNESCO intangible cultural heritage committee

Vietnam was elected as a member of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 Convention with 120 votes, the highest among selected countries, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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

The Intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 Convention, consisting of 24 members, is UNESCO’s key executive body for protecting intangible cultural heritage. It is responsible for promoting and overseeing the implementation of the convention, and proposing measures for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.

Ambassador Le Thi Hong Van during the ninth session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention 2003 in Paris, France, July 6, 2022. Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Le Thi Hong Van, head of Vietnam’s permanent delegation to UNESCO, said that as a member of the Intergovernmental Committee for the 2022-2026 term, Vietnam will aim at perfecting and implementing the objectives and priorities of the convention, raising the importance of intangible cultural heritage.

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 demonstrates Vietnam’s increasing position and prestige in the international arena as well as acknowledging its contributions in relation to UNESCO.

The 2003 Convention is an important legal tool that contributes to orienting and supporting Vietnam to issue important guidelines and policies, suitable for the protection and promotion of intangible cultural heritage.