Museum representatives from Asian and Pacific regions announced the signing of the Shanghai Charter on Thursday, which urges that museums take on a more significant role in the protection of human intangible heritage.
The charter, published in both Chinese and English languages, reflects the cultural diversity of the Asian and Pacific regions, and encourages the use of multi-disciplinary methods to meet globalization-driven challenges to the intangible heritage in the regions.
Amareswar Galla, chairman of the Board of Asia-Pacific of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), said the Shanghai Charter provides a set of guidelines for countries in the establishment of system and guideline for the protection of the intangible heritage.
Some 150 representatives from 26 countries, regions and international organizations attended the four-day 7th ASPAC Regional Assembly of ICOM, which ended here on Thursday.
(Xinhua News Agency October 24, 2002)