Cao Bang Geopark
Opening Ceremony of the 8th Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium
On the morning of September 12, at the Provincial Conference Center, the 8th Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium (APGN) 2024 was officially opened in Cao Bang, themed “Local Communities and Sustainable Development in Geopark Areas,” with the participation of more than 800 domestic and international delegates.
Attending the event were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO Ha Kim Ngoc; Deputy Minister and Vice Chairman of the Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee Nong Thi Ha; as well as leaders from the provinces of Lang Son, Ha Giang, Dak Nong, Bac Giang, Quang Ninh, and Hai Phong.
The delegates from UNESCO and the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network included: Ms. Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences at UNESCO; Mr. Jonathan Wallace Baker, Head of the UNESCO Office in Vietnam; Mr. Nikolas Zouros, President of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network; Mr. Jin XiaoChi, Vice Chair of the Executive Board of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network and Coordinator of the Asia-Pacific UNESCO Global Geoparks Network; and Mr. Guy Martini, Secretary-General of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.
On behalf of the province, the attendees included: Mr. Tran Hong Minh, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Head of the Provincial Delegation to the National Assembly; and Mr. Hoang Xuan Anh, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, and Head of the Conference Organizing Commitee.
In his opening speech, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Hoang Xuan Anh, Head of the Conference Organizing Committee, shared that Non Nuoc Cao Bang is honored to be the second locality in Vietnam to officially become a member of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network and the Asia-Pacific region network since April 2018.
Cao Bang has always actively responded to and participated in the activities of the Network. Being chosen as the host locality for the 8th APGN Conference is a privilege that affirms the active and responsible participation of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark in particular, and the Vietnam Geoparks Network in general, in the activities of the regional and global Geoparks Network; at the same time, it underscores the locality’s determination to develop the UNESCO Global Geopark title towards sustainable development goals.
Cao Bang has always actively responded to and participated in the activities of the Network. Being chosen as the host locality for the 8th APGN Conference is a privilege that affirms the active and responsible participation of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark in particular, and the Vietnam Geoparks Network in general, in the activities of the regional and global Geoparks Network; at the same time, it underscores the locality’s determination to develop the UNESCO Global Geopark title towards sustainable development goals.
In recent years, Cao Bang has remained steadfast in its goal of developing the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark in conjunction with preserving heritage values, environmental resources, traditional crafts, promoting sustainable tourism, educating future generations, and developing a network of partners to contribute to a strong community. To help promote and introduce the UNESCO Global Geopark designation to domestic and international visitors, the province has carefully planned the main activities within the framework of the symposium.
In order for the 8th APGN Conference to fulfill its role as an important event of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network for the Asia-Pacific region, the province hopes that delegates and members of the Network will focus their collective intellect and responsibilities to share valuable experiences in building and developing geoparks. From there, they can find solutions together to the global challenges currently being faced, particularly in enhancing the role of local communities as the main stakeholders of geoparks in conservation activities, building, and promoting the values of geoparks for a strong and sustainable community.
Speaking at the symposium, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO Ha Kim Ngoc emphasized that among the UNESCO designations, Global Geoparks are considered one of the outstanding models for economic and social development, making significant contributions to local communities. The Asia-Pacific Geoparks Symposium is held every two years in a representative country in the region with the aim of sharing and exchanging experiences in the establishment and development of geopark designations. In 2022, in Thailand, due to its positive contributions to the Network, Cao Bang province of Vietnam was honored to be granted the right to host the 8th APGN Symposium. This also serves as an opportunity for Vietnam to continue affirming its role as an active and responsible member, contributing meaningfully to common issues of UNESCO. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO are very pleased to co-organize the conference and have closely and effectively collaborated with the Provincial People's Committee in the preparation and organization of the symposium.
In his speech at the symposium, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son shared his sympathies for the hardships and losses experienced by the people of Cao Bang and other northern mountainous and midland regions in Vietnam. He also commended the efforts of the leaders and people of Cao Bang, as well as those of other localities, in overcoming natural disasters, quickly stabilizing production and daily life, and successfully organizing the 8th APGN Symposium. Despite the challenges posed by storms and floods, the strong attendance of delegates reflects the Asia-Pacific region's commitment, as well as that of UNESCO members as a whole, to take decisive action, reinforcing the role of local communities—one of the key solutions toward the sustainable development goals that humanity is striving to achieve.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that as the only United Nations organization dedicated to Earth sciences, UNESCO has, for over 50 years, played a pioneering role in promoting international cooperation to enhance awareness and actions that harmonize and sustainably manage the relationship between people and nature.The Global Geoparks Network has made a meaningful contribution by fostering connections, preserving, and promoting the unique heritage of geological sites, linking it to biodiversity, environmental protection, and cultural conservation for the community development, livelihoods, and sustainable growth locally and globally during these 2 decades.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that in just ten days, the Summit of the Future will take place in New York, marking an opportunity to turn words and commitments into concrete actions that shape a more sustainable and inclusive future. This is the time for Asia-Pacific, as a major driving force and a dynamic, resilient hub of global development, to join hands together in contributing to the challenges of our time and to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This effort aims to deliver tangible benefits for all members and citizens, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that in just ten days, the Summit of the Future will take place in New York, marking an opportunity to turn words and commitments into concrete actions that shape a more sustainable and inclusive future. This is the time for Asia-Pacific, as a major driving force and a dynamic, resilient hub of global development, to join hands together in contributing to the challenges of our time and to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This effort aims to deliver tangible benefits for all members and citizens, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The Deputy Prime Minister suggested that the Conference focus on discussing and clarifying a number of new cooperation directions. In particular, it is necessary to identify a comprehensive approach to unify awareness and action on the conservation and promotion of the value of geoparks for sustainable development. Strengthen the exchange of good experiences and good examples, and make appropriate policy recommendations on the management, conservation and sustainable development of global geoparks. Promote multi-stakeholder partnerships and international cooperation to develop global geoparks associated with sustainable development. Promote a 5-year and 10-year long-term vision for the development of the Global Geopark Network - a strong international cooperation network to conserve and promote the value of geological heritages not only for our benefit but also for future generations.
These efforts are set to be submitted at the upcoming 220th Executive Board Session, the Future Summit, and the 42nd UNESCO General Assembly in 2025.
At the opening ceremony, delegates watched video clips providing information and showcasing the beauty and heritage values of the UNESCO Global Geopark Non nuoc Cao Bang.
Author: The Management Board of the Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark
Reader Comments
You must login to comment this article
Newer articles
Older articles
- Address: No 083 Vuon Cam St, Hop Giang District, Cao Bang City
- Phone: +84-2063.754.555
- Fax: +84-4-35500914
- Email: caobanggeoparkvietnam@gmail.com
- Website: http://caobanggeopark.com
- Online19
- Search engine1
- Guest18
- Today556
- This month27,483
- Total9,559,019