ICHCAP

The 5th ichLinks Executive Committee Meeting convened successfully on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the platform`s evolution. Held online, this gathering brought together representatives from 12 of the 14 Partner Organizations, spanning the diverse cultural tapestry of the Asia-Pacific region, including Bhutan, Cambodia, Fiji, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Singapore, Timor-Leste, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. The event was chaired by Acting Chairperson Yeshi Lhendup, Chief Research Librarian of the National Library and Archives of Bhutan, whose leadership underscored the importance of safeguarding ICH in today’s rapidly changing world.

The meeting opened with the ichLinks Secretariat, managed by the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (ICHCAP), delivering a comprehensive report on the platform’s achievements for 2023-2024. Partner Organizations followed suit, each sharing their own collaborative accomplishments, reflecting the diverse but interconnected efforts across the region. As the meeting progressed, the Committee tackled several key agenda items, deliberating over and approving revisions to the ichLinks Project Guidelines, amendments to the Executive Committee’s Operational Rules, and the election of the 4th-term Chairperson.

One of the most anticipated highlights of the meeting was ICHCAP’s unveiling of its comprehensive development strategy for 2024-2031. Rooted in a careful analysis of the platform’s performance over the past four years, this strategy sets the course for significant improvements in platform operations, data quality, and content curation. The Committee’s approval of this strategy marks a significant step forward, with the introduction of an Information Officer system standing as a cornerstone of the plan. This system will see each partner organization appointing an Information Officer, tasked with overseeing the production and management of information and content, ensuring data accuracy and reliability, and facilitating efficient communication channels. To equip these officers with the necessary tools and knowledge, ICHCAP will provide extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring they are fully prepared to drive the platform’s next phase of growth.

The meeting was further enriched by detailed presentations from the Partner Organizations, shedding light on ongoing projects and activities in collaboration with ichLinks. The Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts Studies (VICAS) and the Timor-Leste National Commission for UNESCO shared encouraging updates on their collaborative projects, offering a glimpse into the promising future of their initiatives. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation of Nepal, a new partner organization, gave an in-depth overview of Nepal’s rich intangible cultural heritage, expressing optimism about the global impact of future collaborations. Nepal’s entry into the ichLinks network heralds exciting new possibilities for showcasing its heritage on the world stage.

In his closing remarks, Acting Chairperson Yeshi Lhendup reflected on the significance of the meeting, stating, “Through this 5th Executive Committee Meeting, we were able to reflect on the platform`s accomplishments and chart a clear course for the future. The introduction of the Information Officer system is a significant leap forward, promising to further strengthen ichLinks and its mission.” Echoing this sentiment, ICHCAP Director-General Jisung Kim highlighted the growing strength of the partnership, noting, “This meeting provided an invaluable opportunity to assess the platform`s partnership structure and reaffirm its tremendous potential for growth. ICHCAP will remain unwavering in its support for ichLinks, ensuring its continued evolution as a vital hub for intangible cultural heritage.”

Looking ahead, ICHCAP is poised to assign Information Officers to each of the 14 Partner Organizations, initiating a new era of efficiency and collaboration. Practical training will be provided at the Information Capacity-Building Workshop, scheduled for October in Bhutan, where Information Officers will hone their skills and prepare for their critical roles. Following the workshop, ICHCAP will embark on the phased implementation of its comprehensive development strategy, with a keen focus on improving data quality and diversifying content to ensure that ichLinks continues to serve as a vibrant, dynamic platform that bridges cultural knowledge across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.