The aim of the opening conference was to identify new opportunities for safeguarding the world's intangible cultural heritage by revisiting the vision of the convention’s founders, identifying achievements thus far and defining future priorities.

“Intangible heritage is a wellspring of meaning and belonging, a tribute to our ancestors, a way to transmit our dreams to future generations. Intangible heritage is a black box of innovation and creativity that we need for inclusive, sustainable development,” said the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova,in her opening address which was transmitted through a VCR and highlighted the central place of culture within the global development agenda.

As an important part of the 4th China Chengdu International Festival for the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which runs until June 23, the event will host several forums on exploring the convention’s role, its function, implementation modalities and its future.