Opening of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network Conference

This morning, September 12, the opening ceremony of the 8th International Conference of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network in Asia-Pacific was held in Cao Bang city, Cao Bang province, with the theme "Local communities and sustainable development in the Geopark area".

Cao Bằng: Khai mạc Hội nghị Mạng lưới Công viên Địa chất toàn cầu UNESCO

Delegation of the 8th International Conference of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network in the Asia-Pacific region.

The conference was held with the aim of sharing and exchanging experiences, effective models, and useful solutions in the work of building and developing the title of Geopark according to UNESCO criteria among members of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network in the Asia-Pacific region. At the same time, raising awareness and responsibility of all levels, sectors, and people in preserving and promoting the values of heritage types for sustainable tourism development.

The conference received attention from many international organizations.

Speaking at the opening of the Conference, Chairman of the Cao Bang Provincial People's Committee, Head of the Conference Organizing Committee Hoang Xuan Anh affirmed that Cao Bang has an important position in terms of national defense - security and foreign economic development; has many famous scenic spots - considered as the "green pearl" of the Northeast of Vietnam - where the typical factors and advantages for sustainable tourism development converge.

Chairman of Cao Bang Provincial People's Committee Hoang Xuan Anh affirmed that Cao Bang is a place where unique factors and advantages converge to develop sustainable tourism.

Mr. Hoang Xuan Anh shared that, in addition to the scenic spots, Cao Bang province has a rich history and culture, many unique geological heritage values, and special traditional cultural values of many ethnic groups, each of which has unique cultural heritages, characteristics of production practices, traditional living practices, and its own unique folk art treasures.

In his speech, Mr. Hoang Xuan Anh introduced Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, which was recognized by UNESCO as the 5th Global Geopark in Southeast Asia. The park has more than 200 unique heritage sites, reflecting the 500 million-year history of the earth with an area of over 3,683 km2 and 4 experience routes. For these reasons, Insider Travel Magazine (USA) voted the Park as one of the 50 most spectacular and outstanding places among the wonders and attractive natural landscapes around the world.

Mr. Hoang Xuan Anh shared that during the series of events, Cao Bang province organized many activities and cultural spaces to experience the land and people of Cao Bang, aiming to introduce to domestic and international tourists the potentials and development advantages of the province; the rich culture, imbued with the identity of the ethnic people of Cao Bang province.

Next, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO Ha Kim Ngoc gave a speech on the importance of the Conference. According to Deputy Minister Ha Kim Ngoc, Vietnam officially joined the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1976. After 48 years of cooperation, Vietnam has always been an active and responsible member, a model for effective cooperation with UNESCO.

According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO Ha Kim Ngoc, the conference will be an opportunity for Vietnam to continue affirming its role as an active and responsible member and making substantial contributions to the common issues of UNESCO.

In that process, up to now, Vietnam has owned 68 titles and heritages recognized by UNESCO spread across all 63 provinces and cities. Possessing a UNESCO title is the recognition of cultural, historical, natural landscape values, etc., and at the same time creates a strong attraction for tourists and international friends.

In particular, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc emphasized that this Conference has brought about 5 great meanings:

Firstly, the Conference is an important event for members of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network in the Asia-Pacific region, researchers, managers, and scholars from member countries to have the opportunity 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.

Second , the Conference is particularly meaningful as it is held on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Global Geoparks Network. According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc, the results of the Conference will be a new milestone for the network in carrying out its mission to harmonize nature, the environment and people.

Third , the Conference is also a festival for localities holding UNESCO titles, thereby contributing to positioning Cao Bang in particular and Vietnamese localities in general on the world heritage map. This is both an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation and a promotional opportunity to bring Vietnam to the world, and bring the world closer to Vietnam.

Fourthly , the Conference demonstrated the efforts and determination of the leaders and people of Cao Bang province in protecting, preserving and promoting the title of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark; demonstrating the responsibility of being an active member of the network, ready to share experiences and successful lessons.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc affirmed: “The conference will strongly motivate and encourage localities in Vietnam in particular and countries in general to join the network to both protect our common home - the Earth, and promote and create livelihoods for people.”

Finally , the Conference will contribute to emphasizing the message: Vietnam is a civilized, safe, beautiful country; unique culture, rich in tradition; dynamic development; friendly, hospitable people; a reliable destination for living, studying, traveling, and investing. According to the Deputy Minister, this is also an opportunity for Vietnam to continue to affirm its role as an active, responsible member and make substantial contributions to the common issues of UNESCO.

Afterwards, Vice President of the Executive Board of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network, Coordinator of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network for the Asia-Pacific region Jin XiaoChi delivered a speech at the conference.

According to Mr. Jin Xiaochi, two years ago, Cao Bang province was chosen by UNESCO as the venue for the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network in the Asia-Pacific region. Despite the difficulties caused by natural disasters and floods, the success of the Conference proved the correctness of the above decision. Mr. Jin Xiaochi affirmed that Cao Bang's participation has brought dynamism and excitement to the Global Geoparks Network.

Vice President of the Executive Board of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network, Coordinator of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network Jin XiaoChi affirmed that the participation of Cao Bang province has brought dynamism and excitement to the Network.

Similarly, Mr. Nickolas Zouros – Chairman of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network said that Cao Bang is one of the most successful organizers of the Network ever. Mr. Nickolas Zouros shared that this conference is also a unique opportunity for members of the Network to reflect on the 20-year process of establishment, thereby finding better solutions to respond to climate change and help the community.

Mr. Nickolas Zouros - Chairman of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network - said that Cao Bang is one of the most successful organizers of the Network ever.

On the UNESCO side, Ms. Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, looked back on the development of the network. In 2022, the total number of geoparks was 65, but by 2024, this number had reached 84. According to Ms. Lidia Brito, this is a spectacular achievement, demonstrating the network's ability to preserve and protect nature. In the coming years, UNESCO will continue to encourage, expand and strengthen the network of geoparks. This is also an opportunity for members of the network to learn from each other and build a bright future together.

UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences Lidia Brito affirmed that in the coming years, UNESCO will continue to encourage, expand and strengthen the network of geoparks.

At the conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son delivered a speech. On behalf of the Government, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son expressed his sympathy for the difficulties and losses that Cao Bang and the northern mountainous areas are facing due to the consequences of storm No. 3. At the same time, the Deputy Prime Minister also highly appreciated Cao Bang province's efforts to overcome natural disasters to successfully organize the Conference.

Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said that the contents discussed and initiatives at the Conference will be an important turning point in the process of developing geoparks globally.

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, the devastating consequences of super natural disasters such as earthquakes, storms, floods, landslides, heat waves, and droughts are currently occurring with unprecedented frequency, scale, and scope of impact, and threaten to hinder efforts to improve people's quality of life and sustainable socio-economic development. If solutions are not found to effectively respond to these challenges, the achievements of human development will certainly be set back.

Therefore, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son stated that this is the time for Asia-Pacific, as the world's dynamic and self-reliant development center, to join hands in responding to the challenges of the times, realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, bringing practical benefits to all members and people, leaving no one behind.

To do that, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs proposed four new directions of cooperation at the Conference. First , it is necessary to determine a comprehensive approach to unify awareness and action on the conservation and promotion of the value of geoparks for sustainable development. Second , it is necessary to increase the exchange of good experiences and good examples, and make appropriate policy recommendations on the management, conservation and sustainable development of global geoparks. Third , it is necessary to promote multi-stakeholder partnerships and international cooperation to develop global geoparks associated with sustainable development. Finally, it is necessary to have a comprehensive approach, integrating the principles of sustainable development, and at the same time, it is necessary to increase the exchange of experiences and research among member countries through seminars and workshops.

Concluding his speech, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son believes that with his wisdom and enthusiasm, the contents discussed and initiatives at the Conference will be an important turning point in the development of geoparks globally, as well as the future development of humanity. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that by taking action now, future generations can inherit a healthy and prosperous earth.

Also at the conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son attended the inauguration ceremony of the space for promoting and exhibiting products of Cao Bang province. The space is a place to promote and display tourism activities, as well as OCOP products of Cao Bang province.