Alain Godonou, Director UNESCO Office for the Pacific States, addresses the forum.


Session 1: Culture and Sustainable Development

Concerning cultural entrepreneurship and innovation, executive director of Guam's Unique Merchandise and Arts Program Clifford Guzman presented a business incubator. Thanks to it, sixty-seven participants have been trained while twelve enterprises have secured a fund worth 70 million dollars and are around the corner. As a result, handicraftsmen and their agents equipped with business know-how could reap benefits and protect traditional culture at the same time.

Zhang Jing, deputy director of CRIHAP – the International Training Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO – attended and addressed the Forum on the Pacific Region's Culture, Art and Sustainable Development.

Zhang Jing gave a speech on the issue of Identifying Ways of furthering regional cooperation and cross-sectoral partnership as the representative of the Category 2 Centers. He introduced the functions of the CRIHAP, and shared its work results and plan for the future. He elaborated on the training courses for Pacific countries, and showed willingness on making contribute to strengthen the capacity building for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage among Pacific countries. His advice on how to woo partners and improve efficiency was well-received. Other speakers on this issue were from ICHCAP, Pacific Arts Alliance, IFACCA and ICOMOS Pasifika.