This is an international conference held every two years in countries in the Asia-Pacific region with the aim of sharing and exchanging experiences, effective models, and useful solutions in the work of building and developing geopark titles according to UNESCO criteria among members of the Asia-Pacific UNESCO Global Geoparks Network (APGN).
In addition, the conference also contributes to raising awareness and responsibility of all levels, sectors and people in preserving and promoting heritage types to develop sustainable tourism.
Speaking at the press conference on the 8th International Conference of APGN on the afternoon of August 22 in Hanoi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO Ha Kim Ngoc emphasized that after 48 years of joining and cooperating with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Vietnam has always been an active, responsible member and a model of effective cooperation with this organization, as commented by Ms. Audrey Azoulay - Director of UNESCO.
"In that process, Vietnam now owns 68 UNESCO-recognized heritage titles spread across 63 provinces and cities. Possessing a UNESCO title is the recognition of cultural, historical and natural landscape values, while also creating an attraction for international tourists and friends. It can be said that UNESCO titles have contributed to the formation of local and national titles, contributing to the socio-economic development of the country," said Deputy Minister Ha Kim Ngoc.
Among the UNESCO titles, global geoparks are considered outstanding socio-economic development models, creating many practical contributions to the locality. At the 2022 International Conference of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Global Geoparks Network (APGN) in Thailand, in recognition of its positive contributions to the network, Cao Bang province of Vietnam was honored to be granted the right to host the 8th APGN Conference.
Besides, Deputy Minister Ha Kim Ngoc also pointed out 5 outstanding meanings of the conference:
- This is an important event for members of the Asia-Pacific Global Geopark Network, researchers and scholars from member countries to meet, connect, exchange information and share experiences, to continuously improve the construction, operation and promotion of the role of global geoparks in association with sustainable development goals. The results of the conference will be reported to the UNESCO Executive Board, and will be an important basis for UNESCO to assess the impact of the organization's titles on the development of member countries.
- The conference is even more meaningful when it is held on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the global geopark network. 20 years is not a long time, but it is enough to look back and evaluate the effectiveness of a UNESCO title on the development of countries - a title that countries consider a typical model for socio-economic development. The result of this conference will be a new milestone for the network in its mission of harmonious development between nature, environment and people.
- APGN 8 is not only a conference of Cao Bang province but also a festival of localities holding UNESCO titles, thereby contributing to positioning Cao Bang in particular and provinces in general in Vietnam on the world heritage map. This is both an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation and an opportunity to promote Vietnamese localities to the world and bring the world closer to Vietnam.
- The conference demonstrates the efforts and determination of the people of Cao Bang province in protecting, preserving and promoting the title of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark, demonstrating the responsibility as an active member of APGN, ready to share experiences and successful lessons. This conference in Cao Bang will strongly motivate and encourage Vietnamese localities in particular and countries in general to participate in the network to both protect our common home Earth and promote and create livelihoods for the people.
- With the theme: "Local communities and sustainable development in the Geopark area", the conference held in Vietnam with the participation of about 800-1,000 domestic and international delegates will contribute to furthering the message: Vietnam is a civilized, safe, beautiful country, with unique culture, rich in traditions, dynamic development, friendly and hospitable people, a reliable destination for living, studying, traveling and investing. This is also an opportunity for Vietnam to affirm its role as an active and responsible member, to make substantial contributions to the common issues of UNESCO.
Sharing about the activities at the Conference, Chairman of Cao Bang Provincial People's Committee Hoang Xuan Anh said that before the opening of the Conference, there will be meetings of the UNESCO Global Geopark Council; meetings and working sessions between Cao Bang province and the Council and the APGN Executive Board, representatives of the United Nations, UNESCO and the UNESCO Office in Hanoi and embassies of countries; and a meeting of the APGN Advisory Board.
In particular, the organization of the 20th Anniversary of APGN's founding is scheduled to open on the morning of September 12, 2024 and close on the afternoon of September 15, 2024 at the Cao Bang Provincial Convention Center. The closing program will review the organization of the Conference; an art performance program and a flag handover ceremony for the host unit of the 9th Conference of APGN in 2026.
In parallel with and on the sidelines of the Conference, many activities will take place such as: Annual Conference of the Expert Subcommittee on Vietnam Global Geoparks for Sustainable Development; Exchange activities, signing of cooperation memorandums between geoparks in APGN and a number of other Conferences, Seminars and cooperation exchanges; Experience program of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark tourist routes.
Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/cao-bang-to-chuc-hoi-nghi-quoc-te-mang-luoi-cong-vien-dia-chat-toan-cau.html
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