Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO Beijing Office, talks with CRIHAP staff members at a symposium on July 5, 2021. [Photo by Liu Xiaohui/Art and Document Gallery, Chinese National Academy of Arts]

Shahbaz Khan fully affirmed and spoke highly of what CRIHAP has achieved over the years. He said that as a category 2 centre under the auspices of UNESCO, CRIHAP has a very important role to play.

He added that there is much to do in ICH safeguarding capacity-building training for countries in the Asia-Pacific, and it is crucial to improve the overall ICH safeguarding capabilities in each of these countries, especially the developing countries on small islands which are most prone to natural disasters. Khan fully acknowledged the close cooperation between UNESCO headquarters and its regional offices and looked forward to seeing an even greater performance by CRIHAP.

Participants pose for a group photo after the meeting. [Photo by Liu Xiaohui/Art and Document Gallery, Chinese National Academy of Arts]

Wang Fuzhou, Vice-President of the Chinese National Academy of Arts, and Director-General of China National Centre for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage, held a meeting with Khan after the symposium. Wang Fuzhou gave a brief introduction to the academic studies in the field of ICH and ICH-related education programs in China.

Khan highly appreciated the rich experiences China has gained in integrating ICH knowledge into its education system. And he showed a strong interest in China’s ICH safeguarding endeavors.

During the visit, Khan was accompanied by Himalchuli Gurung, the program specialist for culture of UNESCO Beijing Office.