The Capacity Building Workshop on Linking 2003 Convention and University ICH Programs is held at Shanghai International Studies University from July 22 to 25, 2019.

From July 22 to 25, 2019, the Capacity Building Workshop on Linking 2003 Convention and University ICH Programs was held at Shanghai International Studies University by CRIHAP, in collaboration with the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (ICHCAP), the UNESCO Bangkok Office, and the Asia-Pacific Higher Education Network for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (APHEN-ICH).

Over 50 participants attended the workshop, including representatives from the above organizations and from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Department under China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, UNESCO Headquarters, UNESCO Office in Beijing, Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), and experts and scholars from 20 universities in China, India, Nepal, the Philippines and other countries in Asia-Pacific.

Mr. Liang Bin, Director-General of CRIHAP, chaired the opening ceremony. Mr. Wang Chenyang, Deputy Director-General of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Department under China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism; Ms. Bich Hanh Duong, programme specialist for Culture of the UNESCO Bangkok Office; Ms. Himalchuli Gurung, programme specialist for Culture of the UNESCO Office in Beijing; Mr. Weonmo Park, Director of the Cooperation and Networking Office of ICHCAP; Mr. Wang Wei, inspector of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism and Mr. Jiang Feng, University Council chair of SISU, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches.

The Capacity Building Workshop on Linking 2003 Convention and University ICH Programs is held at Shanghai International Studies University from July 22 to 25, 2019.

In recent years, UNESCO has acknowledged the importance of universities as an essential vector to build a skilled workforce to implement and support intangible cultural heritage (ICH) safeguarding activities in a sustainable and locally appropriate manner. Whilst there has been an increase in post-graduate heritage education in the Asia-Pacific region in the past decade, few programs focus on intangible cultural heritage. Professionals in the cultural heritage sector often received their training from programs that emphasize the management of tangible heritage (conservation, architecture and archaeology) rather than intangible heritage. In light of this, UNESCO decided to launch a reflection on the possible advantages and relevance of programs dedicated to intangible cultural heritage.