Head of UNESCO’s Hanoi Office and UNESCO Representative to Vietnam, Michael Croft (second from left) presents the certificate of recognition for Xoan singing to a Phu Tho provincial leader. (Photo: VNA).

The Deputy PM made the remarks while addressing a ceremony at Lai Len temple in Viet Tri city, Phu Tho province on January 3 which was held by the provincial People’s Committee to receive a certificate officially recognizing Xoan singing as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity from UNESCO.

He said that the title bestowed by UNESCO reflects an acknowledgment on behalf of the international community of the efforts made by the provincial Party committee and people in preserving their treasured cultural heritage.

He spoke of his great appreciation for Xoan singing clubs, organizations, and individuals who have made significant contributions to safeguarding and promoting the continued value of the heritage to the community.

Xoan singing was inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2011.

At the ceremony, Phu Tho provincial authorities announced an action plan for safeguarding and upholding the viability of Xoan singing for the 2018-2023 period.

Xoan singing was inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2011 due to the declining appreciation for this tradition, most notably among the younger generations.

The performing art was transferred to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2017 in recognition of the efforts made by local communities and the national authorities.

Source: NDO