Source: Brunei Direct (Brunei Darussalam)
Source type: Others
Published on: 10 Sep 2010
Bandar Seri Begawan - Culture ministers from Asia and Europe have agreed that the need for collective action in maintaining, supporting and spreading awareness of heritage treasures is a major step in addressing the problems of ignorance and prejudice and therefore, have declared their support for strong collaborative relationships that can contribute to a harmonious society.
Brunei Darussalam's Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraj a Dato Paduka Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah and other culture ministers from Asia and Europe have concluded the 4th ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Culture Ministers' Meeting in Poznan, Poland, held from September 9 to 11.
The meeting was attended by 39 member countries including representatives from Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) and the European Commission.
During the three-day meeting, ASEM culture ministers discussed Heritage and the Challenges of the Present, focusing on issues of heritage conservation.
This topic was introduced by Poland as one of the crucial aspects of cultural diversity during the 3rd ASEM Culture Ministers' Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The 4th ASEM Culture Ministers' Meeting, which earlier had two preparatory meetings in Krakow, Poland (2008) and in Solo, Indonesia (2010), also aimed to develop a common position on the heritage preservation complementing the work of UNESCO.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, ASEM culture ministers agreed and supported the culture ministers' responsibility for enhancing cultural cooperation between Asia and Europe. Culture ministers also stressed the belief that increased awareness and concern and care for common cultural heritage can enhance dialogue and cooperation between civilisations and cultures.
ASEM culture ministers also agreed to consider coordination of policies in the field of heritage and culture, and further agreed to pass them so that all member states can introduce and enhance international cooperation and take them into concerted action, particularly in the areas of Heritage Awareness; Intercultural Dialogue on Heritage Policies; Heritage and Development; Managing Historic Cities and Cultural Heritage and Contemporary Threats.
The ministers also agreed to enhance youth involvement in the Maintenance of cultural heritage through various measures taken by ASEM member countries. In addressing the issue of intangible cultural heritage, the ministers also stressed the need to raise awareness, especially among the youth through educational programmes, festivals and other activities.
ASEM culture ministers also noted that Heritage Day is an ongoing effort among several countries and while others have vowed to support this initiative.
The meeting was also to strengthen the commitment of ministers to improve the ASEM cultural exchange and cooperation in all fields of culture between Asian countries and Europe as indicated in the action plan approved during the meeting of Culture Ministers at the 2nd ASEM in Paris in June 2005.
The ministers also outlined the importance of ASEM visibility through increased promotion of culture in ASEM on the international arena. Concluding the meeting, ASEM culture ministers hoped that the resolution of the 4th meeting will be taken in the preparation and further discussion of the Summit Meeting of Heads of State to be held in Brussels, Belgium in October 2010.
The 5th meeting will be held in Jogjakarta, Indonesia in 2012.
Originally entitled ASEM Conference on Cultures and Civilisations (COCC), the ASEM Culture Ministers Meeting occurs every two or three years to discuss cultural diversity and cooperation between Asia and Europe.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin