Receiving Head of UNESCO: MoRAC DM received Head of UNESCO Office in Yangon

The Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture, Daw Nu Mya Zan, received Mr. Ichiro Miyazawa, Head of the UNESCO Office in Yangon, at the reception hall of the Union Minister’s Office, Office No. (35),  Nay Pyi Taw on May 13.

During the meeting, the Deputy Minister explained that many ancient structures and significant stupas were damaged by the powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale that struck on March 28, 2025. A survey has since been conducted to document the damaged ancient buildings, and restoration and preservation efforts are being prioritized based on various criteria such as the extent of damage, historical value, artistic value, architectural value, remaining mural paintings, decorative significance, and religious importance. She also stated that restoration and conservation work is ongoing with input from historians, archaeologists, the Myanmar Engineering Society, the Association of Myanmar Architects, and the Myanmar Earthquake Committee, and is being closely supervised by the Department of Archaeology and National Museum to ensure proper and sustainable preservation practices. Drawing from the experience gained during the restoration efforts following the 2016 Bagan earthquake, the ongoing work adheres to UNESCO’s conservation guidelines and best practices.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that all tasks are being carried out systematically and in a timely manner, and that the Ministry is open and transparent in exploring opportunities for further collaboration with UNESCO.