On October 30, 2024, a prominent scientific conference entitled “Preservation and promotion of Then heritage of the Tày and Nùng people in three provinces of Bắc Giang, Lạng Sơn, and Thái Nguyên” was organized at the Bắc Giang Province Conference Center. This significant event is an integral part of Vietnam's broader commitment to safeguarding and promoting Then, an intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO as part of the cultural heritage of humanity.

The conference brought together a diverse array of participants, including many representatives from both central government agencies and local authorities who have a keen interest in the preservation of Then heritage. The conference featured a total of 18 carefully curated papers and presentations. These offered valuable insights into the current status of scientific activities, innovative conservation, and various promotional efforts related to Then heritage observed across the three provinces of Bắc Giang, Lạng Sơn, and Thái Nguyên. The Vietnamese Institute for Musicology played a crucial role in this scholarly gathering by presenting two informative sessions. Their contributions focused on the identification and effective utilization of Then heritage on various social media platforms, emphasizing the importance of modern technology in promoting cultural values.

During the closing remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đặng Văn Bài, the Vice Chairman of the National Cultural Heritage Council, commended the increasing attention that Then heritage was garnering from different management agencies, skilled artisans, and the broader community. He firmly stressed the vital significance of distinguishing between the various aspects of Then rituals, Then singing and the traditional playing of the đàn tính. Understanding these distinctions is essential for the development of effective conservation measures tailored to this rich cultural heritage. Furthermore, Dr. Bài emphasized the necessity of updating and promoting Then values through new social media channels, utilizing them as platforms for greater reach and impact. He also highlighted the exploration of cultural economics as a promising avenue to enhance and leverage the inherent values of this heritage. His vision extends to the hope that the conference program will continue to flourish, enabling regular summaries, evaluations, and sharing of experiences. This continuity is crucial for the ongoing effort to protect and promote Then heritage for future generations, ensuring that the unique cultural identity of the Tày and Nùng people is preserved and celebrated.

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