6th meeting of(BAGAN COM): MoRAC UM attended and gave a remark

The Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Tin Oo Lwin attended the 6th meeting of Bagan National Coordinating Committee (BAGAN COM) held at Lawkanatt Hall of the Ministry in Nay Pyi Taw on 5th November and gave a remark.

At the meeting, Union Minister U Tin Oo Lwin highlighted that the preservation and protection of cultural heritage is a national responsibility for the people of Myanmar. He emphasized that when citizens understand and appreciate the value of cultural heritage and actively participate in its protection, the risk of loss and damage to cultural heritage assets can be significantly reduced.

He also noted that the National Cultural Heritage Central Committee, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defense, is the highest body managing the protection of Myanmar's tangible and intangible cultural heritage. While there is still work to be done on projects in the Bagan World Heritage Site, he encouraged those present to collaborate and contribute to achieving these goals.

He urged participants to work together to complete the State of Conservation Report for the Bagan World Heritage Site and submit it to the World Heritage Committee by December 2024. Additionally, due to the increasing number of visitors, it was important to finalize the ongoing Conceptual Regional Plan.

Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung shared that the Bagan National Coordinating Committee was previously led by the Union Minister and tasked with 11 main responsibilities, with its fifth meeting conducted in 2021.

He noted that many improvements had been achieved in line with directives from national leaders. Magway Region Chief Minister U Tint Lwin also urged all participants to collaborate on submitting the State of Conservation Report for the Bagan World Heritage Site on time.

He expressed that Bagan is a site of global cultural value and is crucial for future generations, beyond just its national significance. Then, the permanent secretary U Myint Oo clarified the completion of implementations on 19 decisions made in 5th meeting of BAGAN COM and the Director General of the Department of Archeology, Research and National Museum Dr. Kyaw Oo Lwin regarding with the remark letters of the meeting and the work processes to be collaborated by the relevant ministries.

Next, the attendees discussed the coordination of the relevant departments in Bagan World Heritage Zone. Union Minister U Tin Oo Lwin of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture noted that only five meetings of the Bagan National Coordinating Committee had been held from 2018 to 2021.

He emphasized that preservation efforts for Bagan's ancient cultural heritage must continue and that the national leadership remains committed to guiding the region’s sustainable development. He also pointed out that all relevant ministries should work together to uphold the standards set by the World Heritage guidelines in the preservation and development of Bagan.

The conservation of Bagan's ancient monuments, including temples, stupas, and religious buildings, must comply with established standards, laws, regulations, and procedures. He urged members of the Bagan National Coordinating Committee (Bagan COM) to collaborate in their respective areas for the protection of Bagan’s cultural heritage.