Workshop Cultural Resources for Sustainable Development: Theory, Practice and Policy Solutions.

The workshop attracted many scientists and managers from Vietnam, Canada, Taiwan (China), Denmark, Japan, the US, France, and Australia. More than 70 papers presented at the workshop focused on 5 issues: Cultural heritage in sustainable development; Traditional rituals, beliefs and festivals in sustainable development; Cultural policy; Traditional cultural institutions and sustainable development; Cultural capital, cultural tourism and sustainable development.

Speaking at the workshop, Professor, Dr. Luong Van Hy, University of Toronto, Canada said: “The theme of the workshop is very close to the argument of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) that it is necessary to respect cultural diversity and consider culture as a resource in the issue of development. Here it is not only an issue of economic development but also to develop tourism. Another important part is that culture is a part of knowledge, a way of life of different ethnic communities. Preserving and developing it also helps people feel stable and more respected.”

The workshop also had the participation of the UNESCO Vietnam office; the Vietnam Association of Ethnology and Anthropology; and research institutes in Vietnam. Along with scientific forums, the workshop also included a photo exhibition and a performance of ethnic music composed and performed by ethnic minority delegates.