Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh province recognised as a World Natural Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 2003
Nhan Dan Online – The first Vietnam-ASEAN UNESCO Heritage Festival 2013 is scheduled to take place in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong from December 27-31. On the occasion, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Thanh Son, co-head of the Festival Steering Committee, granted an interview to the press about the significance and organisation of the event.
Q: Could you please explain why the Ministry of Foreign Affairs chose heritage as the theme of the Festival?
A: Heritage is the pinnacle of culture and the essence of each national culture. When the heritage of a nation is recognised by the world, that means the nation has integrated into the world in a perfect way. Vietnam is a country with significant heritage acknowledged worldwide. The Heritage Festival 2013 is not only meaningful for Vietnam but also an opportunity for neighbouring countries to introduce and honour their own heritage.
The honouring of the heritage of ASEAN member countries will contribute to strengthening solidarity among the ASEAN bloc. The event also helps carry out one of the three key goals of ASEAN co-operation; connecting ASEAN countries through traditional means in order to promote security, political and economic co-operation.
Q: Vietnam hosts this event for the first time, so can you tell about the preparation?
A: During the five-day festival, there will be a series of activities including the Heritage Park & Art of arrangement of UNESCO ASEAN Cultural and natural heritage, performances of intangible UNESCO Vietnam-ASEAN heritage, a Vietnam-ASEAN heritage Carnival and others.
As this is the first time a heritage festival has been proposed and organised in Vietnam, we have paid great attention to the organisation, from the overall schedule of the event to the detailed schedules of each activity. Each field is undertaken by excellent people who specialise in culture and the arts. The success of the festival will create a good premise for other ASEAN countries to hold the event in coming years.
Q: Along with the Vietnam-ASEAN UNESCO Heritage Festival, there will be various activities such as the launching of the 2014 Central Highlands – Da Lat National Tourism Year, the fifth Da Lat Flower Festival and others. Will the over-diversification make these programmes lose their identity?
A: With its size and influence, as I mentioned above, the Festival will be the dominant activity over other programmes.
However, many shortcomings remain in the tourism sector of Vietnam, as we have not carried out active projects to promote the image and stature of the country to attract foreign visitors. I think that the event is a good opportunity for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to promote the image of the country.
Q: To date, how many countries have confirmed their participation in the festival?
A: More than half of the total 14 countries (ASEAN and four partners: China, India, Japan and Republic of Korea) have committed to attend the festival. I think this is a positive number because participation is often confirmed closer to the event.
We plan to hold an international press conference in October to promote the event. I hope the festival will achieve success and leave good impressions about the potential, role and position of Vietnam, particularly the country’s heritage.
Thank you very much!
(Source: People’s Army Newspaper/ Translated by Nhan Dan Online)
Đăng ký: VietNam News
