Highlights from the Asian Cultural Heritage Conference in Chongqing

Vibrant patterns representing Asian cultures.

The Second Conference of the Asian Cultural Heritage Protection Alliance and the Third Council Meeting took place in the vibrant city of Chongqing on November 27. This significant event was co-sponsored by the National Cultural Heritage Administration, the Chongqing Municipal People's Government, and the Asian Cultural Heritage Protection Alliance, drawing representatives from an impressive 33 countries and international organizations.

Notable attendees included influential figures such as Sun Yeli, the Minister of Culture and Tourism of China; Hu Henghua, Deputy Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Committee and Mayor; Ezzatollah Zarghami, Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts; Ahmed Naseer Ibrahim, Maldivian Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage; Sattoriyon Matlubahon, Tajik Minister of Culture; and Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities. Each made valuable contributions to the discussions with their speeches.

The conference marked a pivotal moment with the signing of the "Host Country Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Asian Cultural Heritage Protection Alliance." Additionally, a joint statement between China and Egypt was established to collaboratively support the "Asian Cultural Heritage Protection Initiative." Moreover, agreements focused on enhancing cooperation in the nomination, management, and protection of World Cultural Heritage were also formalized.

New Specialized Committees were announced, dedicated to Austronesian Languages and Oceanic Civilization, as well as Science and Technology. In an exciting development, fifteen funding projects under the Asian Cultural Heritage Protection Fund were announced, benefiting countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, and the UAE. Discussions also led to the release of key documents highlighting the vision and mission of the Asian Cultural Heritage Protection Alliance, alongside the Chongqing Consensus.

The Third Council Meeting resulted in Vice Minister Rao Quan being elected as the Chair of the Council. Important resolutions were made, including the approval of the Alliance's biennial work plan for 2025-2027, management measures for specialized committees, and regulations for the advisory committee, reflecting the Alliance's commitment to advancing cultural heritage protection across Asia.