The workshop on Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage for Laos, organized by the International Training Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (hereinafter referred to as the “CRIHAP”) and the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Laos, kicked off in Pu’er city, Yunnan province on April 22, 2024. The workshop is also supported by UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia, UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, China Cultural Centre in Laos, Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, and the Pu’er Municipal People’s Government.

Ms. Liu Hongchang, a member of the Governing Board of CRIHAP and Vice President of the Chinese National Academy of Arts, Mr. Hu Jianrong, deputy mayor of Pu’er city, and Mr. Phouheuang Souvannalath, Deputy Director of the Heritage Department, Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Laos attended and delivered speeches. The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Zhang Jing, Deputy Director-General of CRIHAP.

During the opening ceremony, Ms. Liu Hongchang pointed out that since its establishment, CRIHAP has actively followed the working principles of UNESCO, deeply participated in the implementation of UNESCO’s Capacity-Building strategy for the safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, promoted the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, strengthened the overall capacity of ICH safeguarding for state parties in the Asia-Pacific region, and achieved significant outcomes. Hu Jianrong welcomed experts and trainees to attend the workshop in Pu’er city, introduced the geography, environment, resources, culture, especially ICH safeguarding and the broad prospects brought by the unique facilities such as the China Laos Railway. Mr. Phouheuang Souvannalath expressed gratitude to CRIHAP and all the support organizations, stating that this particular workshop is of great significance in promoting ICH safeguarding between the two countries and further promoting cultural exchanges.