via Vietnam Plus, 21 April 2023: Vietnam has been recognized internationally for its efforts to preserve and promote intangible cultural heritage, with 15 such heritages recognized by UNESCO, and will host an Intangible Cultural Heritage Performance Festival in Phu Tho province from April 21 to 24.
Vietnam is one of the first nations joining the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003 Convention), and its efforts to contribute to the preservation and promotion of such heritage over the past two decades have won recognition from the international community, as demonstrated in the country’s twice election to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
On September 20, 2005, Vietnam joined the convention, becoming one of its first 30 official members. The Southeast Asian nation is currently home to 15 intangible heritage items recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The heritages, owned by different ethnic groups, are located in many provinces and cities nationwide.
According to the Cultural Heritage Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in line with Vietnam’s commitments to UNESCO, projects on the conservation and promotion of these intangible cultural heritages have been either already in place or under development.