| Opening Ceremony of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network Conference; Lang Son Geopark Recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark |
This morning (September 12th), the opening ceremony of the 8th International Conference of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network for the Asia- Pacific region 2024 took place in Cao Bang city, Cao Bang province. Alongside the conference, an exhibition space showcasing products related to the culture and people of Cao Bang province was inaugurated, attracting considerable attention from international delegates.
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| A booth showcasing traditional Vietnamese dresses (áo dài) in the exhibition space. |
At the event, reporters from the Industry and Trade Newspaper had the opportunity to interview several delegates from various international delegations of UNESCO. All the delegates gave glowing praise to the Conference in particular, and to the country and people of Vietnam in general.
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| A delegate was introduced to products of the Nung ethnic group, from Quang Hoa district, Ha Lang province. |
Mr. Tom Dean, a member of the Australian delegation, affirmed that the conference was an eye-opening opportunity and a visually stunning experience. He shared that Vietnamese culture, in his opinion, is incredibly wonderful, colorful, and full of warmth.
Brustian, of French and Moroccan descent and a member of the Thai delegation, said: “The conference was wonderfully organized, the food was delicious, and the people were incredibly friendly.” He was particularly impressed by Vietnam’s traditional pastries.
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| Mr. Brustian, a member of the Thai delegation, was introduced to green tea products. |
At the stall, Brustian was also introduced to green tea products by the salesperson. As a tea lover, he bought some to give as gifts to friends and relatives.
Mr. Artusia, a member of the Portuguese delegation, stated that the Conference was a tremendous and successful effort on the part of the organizers. As a member of the UNESCO Scientific Council, he highly appreciated the practical value of the specimens that Vietnam sent, thanks to which the Geopark Network can develop and grow stronger.
Sharing his thoughts about Vietnam, Mr. Artusia said: “Vietnam is a great country. This is my fourth time here. The Vietnamese people are also wonderful; they know how to give and how to receive. When I am in Vietnam, I feel at home.”
Mr. Artusia also expressed his delight at receiving a gift of a box of San Tuyet tea. He is eagerly anticipating enjoying the tea upon his return home, as it will serve as a reminder of Vietnam.
Joanna Wilson, a member of the Hinne Kashioshidai Geopark delegation from Japan, shared that the conference was a great opportunity for her delegation to learn from experience and make friends internationally. This was also Joanna Wilson's second visit to Vietnam, and for her, Vietnam is a wonderful country.
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| Ms. Joanna Wilson, a member of the Japanese delegation, was delighted to receive a gift from the representative of Dong Van Geopark. |
As a partner of Dong Van Geopark, Joanna Wilson was delighted to receive gifts of tea, coffee, and a brocade bag. According to Joanna, these gifts are special in their own way and are evidence of the friendship between the two Geoparks in general, and between Vietnam and Japan in particular.
Yudi, a member of the Indonesian delegation, has only been in Vietnam for one day, so he hasn't had a chance to learn much about the country yet. However, he is very impressed by the coffee and is eager to try Vietnamese pho in the coming days.
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| Some booths of member countries of the Global Geoparks Network. |
The opening of the exhibition space is part of a series of activities for the 8th International Conference of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network for the Asia-Pacific Region in 2024. This is an opportunity for Global Geoparks of Vietnam and many countries in the Asia-Pacific region to showcase their unique values and potential for sustainable development.
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| Cordyceps products are displayed for sale at a stall. |
The stalls showcasing local products, OCOP products, and traditional craft products are a gathering place for precious cultural, historical, and geological values from famous Geoparks in the region. Each stall is likened to a unique story about the wonders of nature and the conservation and development efforts of local communities.












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