In a collaborative effort between the International Training Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (CRIHAP), UNESCO’s Living Heritage Entity, and UNESCO’s Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia, with the generous support of the Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Culture, Broadcast-TV, and Tourism, the “Training of Trainers - Asia and the Pacific Chapter of the Global Network of Facilitators of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage” kicked off in Chengdu on October 13, 2023. Over 30 trainees from countries across the Asia-Pacific region, including China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, participated the training program, representing both newly-appointed trainers and representatives from UNESCO’s regional offices in the Asia-Pacific region.

Zhang Jing, Deputy Director-General of CRIHAP, and Duong Bich Hanh, Head of Cultural Affairs at UNESCO’s Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia, were present at the opening ceremony and delivered remarks. Zhang Jing emphasized CRIHAP’s commitment to aligning with UNESCO’s global capacity-building strategy, having previously organized numerous training of trainers workshops at international, regional, and national levels, receiving acclaim from various stakeholders. The current training represents another milestone in the deepening and expansion of training for trainers in the Asia-Pacific region, with the expectation that this training will enhance the capabilities of trainers in Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and contribute to the advancement of ICH safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific region. Duong Bich Hanh underscored that the successful implementation of UNESCO’s global capacity-building strategy heavily relies on the global network of facilitators. New facilitators need to possess a profound understanding of the Convention for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, strengthen communication and information sharing, and more effectively fulfill their guiding roles. This training is an integral component of UNESCO’s global network of facilitators for the 2003 Convention. Its purpose is to develop trainers in the Asia-Pacific region, further encourage the exchange of experiences and knowledge sharing among trainers, and enhance their capacity to effectively preserve living heritage and address future needs and challenges.

As part of the training, the participants conducted a field visit to Daoming Bamboo Village in Chongzhou City. During the visit, they not only learned about Daoming bamboo weaving techniques, and the history and development of the village within the museum, but also had a hands-on experience in bamboo weaving under the guidance of local inheritors.

UNESCO facilitator Linina Phuttitarn was invited to conduct the training. Over the next four days, participants will engage in in-depth learning and sharing through activities such as case studies, group discussions, and presentations.