"Dunhuang Forum: Innovative Approaches and International Cooperation to Safeguard Intangible Cultural Heritage" was successfully concluded, demonstrating a fruitful partnership between UNESCO, UN Tourism, the World Bank, and the Gansu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. Organized within the framework of the 7^th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo, the Forum brought together 64 cultural experts, government representatives, academic researchers and community leaders from more than 10 countries to discuss innovative measures for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) and new avenues for international cooperation.

The Forum was organized at the backdrop of the ever-changing global landscape, where the need to safeguard ICH has become increasingly urgent. Preserving the intangible aspects of our shared cultural heritage is crucial for maintaining the identity, continuity, and diversity of societies. As a leading international organization in the field of culture, UNESCO has continuously reaffirmed the vital role of ICH in fostering inclusive social, economic, and environmental development.

Mr. He Xiaozu, Director of the Gansu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, chaired the opening ceremony and emphasized the importance of Dunhuang in cultural exchange and heritage preservation. Ms. Zhang Yongxia, Standing Member of CPC Gansu Committee and the Director-General of Provincial Publicity Department, expressed sincere gratitude to experts from various countries for their active participation and a vision for cooperation to strengthen ICH safeguarding, promote innovative development, and establish an international mechanism for multicultural exchange. Professor Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO's East Asia Regional Office, highlighted that ICH is an essential component of global cultural diversity, and its safeguarding and transmission are crucial for achieving sustainable development. Mr. Shan Gangxin, Director-General of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Department of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism expressed China's will to implement the 2003 Convention. Representatives from UN Tourism and the World Bank also addressed at the opening.

Prof. Shahbaz Khan

Following the opening ceremony, Mr. Wang Xiaofeng, President of the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Association, and Dr. Duong Bich Hanh, Program Specialist for Culture at the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, delivered keynote speeches at the Forum.

Mr. Wang emphasized that ICH is an essential component of Chinese civilization and a reflection of national spirit and cultural diversity. He pointed out that through effective protection and inheritance, ICH can promote cultural confidence, enhance national cohesion, and provide momentum for sustainable development. Mr. Wang also highlighted China's significant successes in the safeguarding of ICH and its willingness to share experiences with the international community.

Dr. Duong Bich Hanh discussed the role of ICH in promoting social inclusiveness, economic development, and environmental protection from an international perspective. She analyzed the 37 projects inscribed under the 2003 Convention's Register of Good Practices to showcase how a comprehensive approach to safeguarding, multi-sectoral stakeholder partnership, creation of a dedicated space for ICH practice and transmission, integration of ICH safeguarding in education, and strong engagement of the public and the communities can result in good safeguarding outcomes.

President Wang Xiaofeng and Dr. Duong Bich Hanh

Key topics of the forum included the relationship between economic development and ICH safeguarding, community empowerment and participation, and the role of ICH in promoting sustainable development. Experts shared successful cases and practices from their respective fields and countries, showcasing how economic activities can be aligned with the safeguarding goals, challenges and innovative measures in engaging with the communities, and how ICH safeguarding can be successfully linked to the sustainable development initiatives.

Participants at the Conference