Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 10-12 October 2016

Two years since its initiation, the sub-regional seminar on the safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) has commenced once again for a second edition summit, with a focus this time on engaging the media as a partner in propagating ICH. 

Over the next two days Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia will host the event which stands as a positive affirmation of all five countries’ (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Japan, Mongolia, People’s Republic of China, and Republic of Korea) resolution to foster constructive Intangible Cultural Heritage safeguarding methods following their unanimous ratification of the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Community takes part in the traditional tugging rituals and
games (Republic of Korea) ©Joo Byung Soo 2006

By and large efforts to identify and safeguard Intangible Cultural Heritage including but not limited to the sub-regions exuberant performance arts, its diverse customs and rituals, traditional craftsmanship etc. has exposed a need to develop avenues for exchanging information and experiences in order to raise awareness about ICH and increase cooperation between its stakeholders. 

Children take part in a traditional song using Morin khuur
(two-stringed fiddle) Mongolia ©ZED/Benoit Segur

UNESCO Beijing in coordination with the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO and the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (ICHCAP) Category 2 Centre under the auspices of UNESCO are hosting the event which aims to reckon the significant role of the media with national authorities to raise public awareness and appreciation of ICH.

Akiu residents take part in Akiu no Taue Odori - a traditional dance
to receive a good harvest (Japan) © Sendai City Board of Education 2008

The actions to take place during this meeting intend to implement UNESCO’s mandate to encourage international dialogue and social cohesion through Intangible Cultural Heritage for peaceful and sustainable development.

Communal preparation of vegetable dish Kimchi (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea)
© Korean National Heritage Preservation Agency 2013

A line up of activities for the event includes an experience sharing session provided by field experts on the extent to which media can be utilized to raise awareness about a country’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, and also a dialogue on building media networks within and across the region in support of this same goal.

Participants comprise of two delegates from each Member State in the Northeast Asian region, representatives from UNESCO Beijing and the Mongolia National Commission for UNESCO, the three Category 2 Centres in the field of ICH from the region (ICHCAP, CRIHAP, and IRCI) two international media experts and a number of local stakeholders in Mongolia.

Artists dressed to perform a piece of Yueju Opera which picks
its origin from the south region of China © Guandong Grand Yueju Opera Company