Source: Brunei Direct (Brunei Darussalam)
Source type: Others
Published on: 10 Sep 2010
Protecting Cultural Heritage Among Youth
14 October 2014
Bandar Seri Begawan - The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports joined his Asian and European counterparts in endorsing joint actions to increase the involvement of youth in protecting their cultural heritage.
During the Fourth Meeting of the Asia-Europe Ministerial Meeting (Asem) for Culture Ministers, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah and other ministers expressed their support for the growing awareness and concern for common cultural heritage, which could enhance dialogue and cooperation among cultures and civilisations.
Held in Poznan, Poland from September 8-10, the Asem culture ministers reiterated their support and commitment towards further promotion of cultural rapprochement of the people of Asia and Europe, a press statement read.
"On the issue of intangible cultural heritage, the ministers emphasised the necessity to raise awareness especially for youths, through educational programmes and festivals, among others," the statement said.
"The ministers agreed that joint actions for safeguarding, promoting and disseminating awareness of the treasures of the past are the key steps to be taken to overcome the problem of ignorance and prejudice and to further promote mutual understanding contributing to building welfare among the people," the statement added.
The ministers also endorsed for all member countries to introduce and develop international cooperation, as well as take concrete actions in the area of heritage awareness, intercultural dialogue on heritage policies and heritage development.
In addition, the ministers acknowledged "Heritage Days" as an ongoing initiative among some Asem members and encouraged to promote the initiative in both regions.
The fourth meeting reaffirmed Asem culture ministers' commitment in stepping up cultural exchanges and cooperation between Asia and Europe, as identified through the action plan of culture ministers adopted in the second Asem Culture Ministers Meeting in Paris in 2005.
The statement added that the ministers acknowledged the initiatives taken to realise the action plan which was translated into programmes and activities and underlined the importance of Asem visibility through culture for fostering promotion of Asem on the global scale.
At the end of the meeting, the culture ministers hoped conclusions of the meeting will be taken to account, in preparation for debates during the next Asem Head of States and Governments meeting in Brussels, Belgium in October.
Over 39 member countries, including representatives from Asean-Europe Foundation and European Commission, attended the meeting.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times
