On September 12, at the Cao Bang Provincial Conference Center, the 8th International Conference of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Global Geopark Network (APGN) in 2024 in Cao Bang with the theme "Local communities and sustainable development in the Geopark area" officially opened, with more than 800 domestic and international delegates attending.
Attending the event were Deputy Prime Minister of the Government, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the UNESCO Vietnam National Committee Ha Kim Ngoc; Deputy Minister, Vice Chairman of the Ethnic Committee Nong Thi Ha; leaders of the provinces: Lang Son, Ha Giang, Dak Nong, Bac Giang, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong and delegates of UNESCO and the UNESCO Global Geopark Network.
On the side of Cao Bang province, there were Mr. Tran Hong Minh - Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee; Mr. Hoang Xuan Anh - Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.
In his opening speech, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Hoang Xuan Anh - Head of the Conference Organization - shared: Cao Bang is honored to be the second locality in Vietnam to officially become a member of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network and the Asia-Pacific Regional Network since April 2018. Cao Bang has always actively responded to and participated in the network's activities.
Being selected as the host of the 8th APGN Conference is an honor, affirming the active and responsible participation of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark in particular, and the Vietnam Geopark Network in general in the activities of the regional and global Geopark Network; at the same time, affirming the locality's determination in developing the UNESCO Global Geopark title, towards the goal of sustainable development.
Over the years, Cao Bang has always been steadfast in its goal of developing the Cao Bang Global Geopark in association with preserving heritage values, environmental resources, preserving traditional crafts, developing sustainable tourism and educating future generations, developing a network of partners, and joining hands for a strong community development.
To contribute to promoting and introducing the UNESCO Global Geopark title to domestic and international tourists, the province has carefully planned and prepared for the main activities within the framework of the conference.
At the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son shared the difficulties and losses of life and property that the people of Cao Bang and the mountainous and midland localities of the North are facing.
At the same time, highly appreciate the efforts of the leaders and people of Cao Bang as well as localities in overcoming natural disasters, soon stabilizing production and people's lives and successfully organizing the 8th APGN Conference.
Overcoming the obstacles of storms and floods, the large participation of delegates demonstrated the determination of the Asia-Pacific region in particular and UNESCO members in general to take strong action and strengthen the role of local communities - one of the important solutions to achieve the sustainable development goals that humanity is striving towards.
