Vice-President Nan Ni Ni Aye, who is also chairperson of the Myanmar National Culture Central Committee, attended the ninth committee meeting yesterday.
Speaking at the meeting, the Vice-President said the national cultural heritage, which has endured for thousands of years, is a source of national pride and must be preserved and passed on to future generations to ensure its sustainability. The fossilized remains of some of humanity’s earliest primates were discovered in Myanmar and that prehistoric periods such as the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age developed continuously on Myanmar land. Moreover, there were emergence of recorded history, Pyu civilization and Pyu ancient cities. In 2014, the ancient Pyu cities of Hanlin, Beikthano, and Sri Ksetra were recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. She added that the architectural achievements of the Bagan era, which flourished after the Pyu era, demonstrated remarkable artistic and architectural excellence. The wall paintings, architectural designs, and water management systems of Bagan reflected the high level of innovation and standard of that era, leading to the recognition of the Bagan Ancient Cultural Heritage Zone on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019.
She further noted that intangible cultural heritage, including religious beliefs, languages, folk tales, traditions, customs, and the twelve seasonal festivals, exists among all ethnic groups in Myanmar, each with its own unique characteristics. Every citizen has responsibility for preserving both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. At the 19th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in Asunción, Paraguay, from 2 to 7 December 2024, Myanmar’s traditional New Year Ata Thingyan Festival was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Vice-President stated that Myanmar’s Thanaka cultural tradition and tea culture have already been submitted to UNESCO for consideration, while preparations are underway to nominate the Htamane.
The committee will continue to formulate policies, amend laws and rules to strengthen heritage protection, and coordinate solutions whenever challenges arise in implementation. She also emphasized the need to safeguard national culture from being overshadowed by foreign influences spread through social media. To preserve and promote Myanmar’s traditional fine arts, ethnic dances, music, and cultural expressions, the Traditional Myanmar Cultural Performing Arts Competition has been organizing every year.
She stressed that the Committee must continue efforts to preserve and promote Myanmar’s cultural values, traditions, and national identity. She noted that laws and rules have been enacted to safeguard cultural heritage, and public awareness of these measures should be enhanced. Preserving traditional culture strengthens national prestige and contributes to a positive national image, making it a responsibility that all citizens should take seriously and implement in line with the guidance of the Myanmar National Cultural Central Committee.
She continued that if young people become overly attracted to foreign cultures while neglecting their own traditions and customs, national spirit may gradually weaken. Therefore, special attention should be paid to preventing excessive foreign cultural influence. She also urged efforts to preserve Myanmar’s traditional “Ten Flowers” arts and crafts from disappearing. At a time when traditional Myanmar performing arts are experiencing renewed public interest, measures should be taken to ensure their proper development and prevent deviation from their authentic cultural values.
The committee vice-chair, secretary and participants reported on the activities of the committee, completed mission and ongoing work plans.
The Vice-President made a conclusion remark and concluded the meeting.
MNA/KTZH
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