17/12/2017
09/12/2017
KEY NOTE SPEECH FOR PHNOM PENH THE WORLDS CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
On December 9, 2017 in the presence of over 3.000 guests, diplomats, tourism and culture experts, members of the Parliamentary Assembly for the Sustainable Development Goals, members of the Royal Government of Cambodia and of the Royal Parliament of Cambodia and European Council on Tourism and Trade delegates and many others high level guests attended the official ceremony for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM handover for PHNOM PENH has taken place.
In the pomp and ceremony of the event the Director of The EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY, Academician Dr. MIRCEA CONSTANTINESCU outlined the reasons and the arguments for the inscription of Phnom Penh as one of the world landmark cities.
The video of the Academician Mircea CONSTANTINESCU key note speech for PHNOM PENH: WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM can be accessed here.
This is the full text of the presentation:
ACADEMICIAN MIRCEA CONSTANTINESCU: Phnom Penh - is a city that it embraces with warmth and gentle attention the soul of the travelers and it’s the real gate to Asia and the unique gem that shines over us with the light of culture and distinction.
WORD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
PHNOM PENH
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Academician MIRCEA CONSTANTINESCU
Director of EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY
Your Excellency Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN- Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia,
Your Excellency Dr. Thong Khon - Minister of Tourism,
Esteemed members of Royal Government of Cambodia, members of Parliament of Cambodia, distinguished member’s diplomatic corps
Dear guests,
All protocol observed,
Today is a historical day, is the day when we inscribe the name of another model city on the humanity list of WORLD`S CAPITALS OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
In carving up the World Capital of Culture and Tourism Program 11 years ago, European Tourism Academy and European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) set for themselves the ambitious task of establishing a world list of cities and regions that are encompassing the legacy of humanity, that are harboring traditions and costumes unique or hosting natural treasures considered to be of outstanding and universal value.
We are ensuring their presence in the limelight so that we and the future generations can enjoy the world's patrimony wealth and it's variety.
The international community must give much more support to the activities promoting the heritage, which is central to our civilizations and this is the main role of WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM designation.
During last year`s THE WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM program enlarged and enriched his focus becoming a part of THE AGENDA FOR HUMANITY and a part of the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda being part and parcel of the global efforts destined to eradicate inequalities, ensure growth, develop education and cultural opportunities for all and supporting investment and development and integration policies where there are more needed.
From an essentially global cultural and tourism program we have evolved in line with the world commitments and concerns onto a world level development program.
PHNOM PENH IS THE NEW WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM. Glittering ceremonies!
On this note I must salute the Government of Kingdom of Cambodia commitment to fulfilling the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals of United Nations and for ensuring that Phnom Penh it is and continues to be a placed for development, creativity, encouragement of free enterprise and initiative and inclusiveness for all who come to this beautiful city.
Inscribing PHNOM PENH as a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM we recognize that culture and history are not resource consumers, but are major economic and development factors, that help countries to develop and enrich themselves in more ways than just simple economic value.
Culture is undoubtedly a fundamental part of our life, is marking our identity and is facilitates our encounter, our dialogue, it helps us to share experiences, to search for unknown territories, to go further and further, is inscribed in our fiber and it defines us, is make us human.
Registering PHNOM PENH as a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM we are taking act of the Government of Prime Minister Academician HUN SEN commitments and incredible achievements of the last 30 years in carving cultural and heritage protection programs, in ensuring a permanent growth in the quality of patrimony protection and consolidation, in ensuring the preservation and fostering of religions, traditions and cultural and traditional activities.
Today, PHNOM PENH is fulfilling the trademarks of what we are calling the cultural landscape marked by the existence of "mixed properties", blending natural properties and cultural properties.
It designates areas where there has been a harmonious interaction between man and nature over a long period, linked to a particular culture, and which provides evidence of a traditional way of life in which nature and culture are profoundly interlinked.
Cultural landscapes are described in Article 1 of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage as representing "the combined works of nature and man".
PHNOM PENH is such a generous area: encompassing the natural setting provided by the confluence of three rivers: the mighty Mekong, the Bassac and the great Tonle Sap, the world unique river that is flowing upwards the stream for six months a year.
This perfect natural landscape has become the setting of a rich cultural city that encompasses religious monuments and heritage treasures like: Wat Ounalom the 1443 shrine built for a sacred hair of the Buddha and considered the seat of Cambodian Buddhism who will celebrate 575 years of continuously and uninterrupted religious activities.
Another landmark is the famous Wat Phnom, built in 1372 and restored and reconstructed in 1434, 1806, 1894 and 1926 and has become a symbol of the capital city Phnom Penh and regularly used for prayer, small offerings, and meditation.
It is a specially charged place connected with the legendary figure of grandmother Penh and from 15th century King Ponhea Yat built the capital in Phnom Penh around this sacred mountain used for keeping the cremated ash of the King.
The mountain of Wat Phnom has been transformed in the last 700 years in a place that is uniting Buddhist statues of the Angkorean era with art crafts from the medieval and modern area and also a royal necropolis hosting the stupas for keeping cremated ash of the Royal families.
Other religious places and cultural landmarks are Wat Langka who is reputedly one of Phnom Penh’s five original Wats (1422). Established as a sanctuary for the Holy Writings and a meeting place for Cambodian and Sri Lankan monks, the Wat was named in honor of these meetings.
Wat Botum Padei also one of the oldest religious buildings still in use in the city from 1422 and is compound, is crowded with ornate and colorful stupas, including the towering ‘Buddha’s Relic Stupa.
Wat Koh another one of the city’s five original Wats, established in the early 15th century and Wat Neak Kravorn situated in a perfect picturesque skyline of Boeung Kak lake.
PHNOM PENH is not only the seat of rich cultural and religious objectives but is also presenting a long list of tourism centers from the famed Russian Market, Old Market, Central Market, Night Market and a large array of traditional markets, to the incredible riches of the National Museum having on display more than 5,000 works of art, ranging from the 7th to the 13th century. Treasures include sculptures, 19th-century dance costumes, royal barges and palanquins.
I will just note on the lines the incredible cultural potential of Phnom Penh the fact that: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CAMBODIA was voted as a WORLD`S FAVORITE MUSEUM for the incredible treasures encompassing more than 14.000 priceless artifacts and for the perfect ways that are displayed and imbuing the visitors with the message of culture.
Phnom Penh is far from being just a huge open-air repository of temples, stupas, palaces and incredible museums it is also a place where the energy of his peoples is channeled into huge celebrations like Moon Festival, Water Festival, Royal Ploughing Day, Khmer New Year or famed Buddha Day-Visakh Bochea Day.
It is a city that it embraces with warmth and gentle attention the soul of the travelers and it’s the real gate to Asia and the unique gem that shines over us with the light of culture and distinction. I also take this moment to congratulate the Ministry of tourism on the initiative to create a special walking riverine prospect offering for tourists the opportunity to stroll around the banks of the famous Mekong.
Initiatives like this are creating the image of a friendly and traveler welcoming city, an image that Phnom Penh so richly deserves.
We can say that the European Council on Tourism and Trade was confronted with an easy conundrum at the question: IT IS? OR IT IS NOT PHNOM PENH a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM?
The positive answer was clear keeping in mind the impressive history of the city, the enormous cultural and heritage potential of Phnom Penh and the plans put in place by the Government of H.E. Prime Minister HUN SEN in order to carve out an ever better future for the peoples of the city and for those who come to share the life of the gem of Asia: the incredible PHNOM PENH - the city of waters, the gift of Cambodia to the world.
Your Excellency Prime Minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia HUN SEN,
The trailer for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
It is my privilege to handover to Your Excellency, as the most representative leader of people and tourism of KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA the award for PHNOM PENH – THE WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
A NEW GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: PRIME MINISTER OF CAMBODIA HUN SEN
Phnom Penh has hosted a grandiose ceremony to honor culture, history, tourism as instruments for world development.
On this occasion in recognition of the role of paragon of development of H.E. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, the leaders of Parliamentary Assembly for Sustainable Development Goals, European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy elected him as the new GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
The official video of the ceremony for the new GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: ACADEMICIAN AND PRIME MINISTER OF CAMBODIA HUN SEN.
Tourism is in the world of today a linchpin in achieving and enhancing world development, creating much-needed employment and opportunities for growth and social inclusion and creating much needed economic resources to be used to protect and promote the cultural heritage.
Tourism in the world of today is the new form of diplomacy, bringing people, nations, creeds and religions together, in order to foster mutual respect and tolerance.
(Professor Dr. Anton Caragea)
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, European Council on Tourism and Trade President in Cambodia in 2017 - WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and PHNOM PENH - WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, European Council on Tourism and Trade President held a key note and empowerment speech explaining the main reasons for this election of Cambodia`s Prime Minister as a world leader in development and as a key figure in the global fight for sustainability and growth.
EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE PRESIDENT
PROFESSOR DR. ANTON CARAGEA
DECLARATION FOR GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
FOR
HIS EXCELLENCY SAMDECH AKKA MOHA SENA PADEI TECHO
HUN SEN,
PRIME MINISTER OF KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA
EUROPEAN ACADEMICIAN
Your Excellency Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN- Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia,
Your Excellency Mr. Thong Khon - Minister of Tourism,
Esteemed members of Royal Government of Cambodia, members of Parliament of Cambodia, distinguished member’s diplomatic corps
Dear guests,
All protocol observed,
We are meeting today for a historic moment, the nomination of the newest GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS in the person of H.E. Academician HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia.
It is not by chance that we met here in Phnom Penh, recently sacred as World Capital of Culture and Tourism as this is absolutely the correct address to find the world newest global ambassador and the voice supporting world-wide peace and development and fostering tourism as a tool for promoting people to people exchanges, peoples diplomacy and deep-rooted understanding and dialogue.
It is absolutely befitting that Cambodia will help the international community to have a voice in development and peace and that Khmer people give us the perfect example in building a new world, a better one.
It is not the first time that the world is looking to Cambodia for leadership and a path to glory and growth.
Fourteen centuries ago the world looked in awe to Khmer Empire for guidance, for a world example of civilization.
Angkor become a university for all the people of Asia and Indochina, from here spring up the giant temples, the powerful legends about daring goods protecting humanity, here was carved the delicate art of dance that will charm and enticed the world and become known across the ages as the Khmer civilization and made Cambodia to act as a beckon of culture and light to the world.
Prime Minister Hun Sen is a son of this proud history and in my long discussions with him I always appreciated his interest and desire in keeping alive the ancient cultural traditions and protecting the world heritage sites of Cambodia ( I will remember you all his determination in liberating the ancient temple of Preah Vihear and restoring it to The Kingdom of Cambodia patrimony without shedding a drop of blood, only by diplomatic skills and passion).
His love for the people of Cambodia, his tireless dedication for their well being made Cambodia what it is today: a center of world economic development with an annual growth rate of 7%, the most attractive market for investors, the most rapid job creator economy in the region and a country that has become a leader in tourism development.
Phnom Penh has been transformed from the ghost city of 1979 into the host of World Economic Forum for 2017 and elevated to the status of World Capital of Culture and Tourism.
A country than in 1979 has received zero tourists was transformed into the Kingdom of Wonder, World Best Tourist Destination of today, a welcoming home to more than 5 million travelers today.
If this is not an example in tourism development, then I don't know what qualifies for one.
Cambodia is clearly showing us that in the XXI century what is important is not the size of the territory or the populace, but the will, skill and determination to contribute to the world development.
You can find out more about these topics here:
♦ THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR SDG
♦ EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY
♦ EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE AND SDG
♦ TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
♦ CAMBODIA-WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION
♦ GLOBAL AMBASSADORS FOR TOURISM AND SDG
What is more important and maybe sometimes the people of Cambodia may overlook, captured by the unimaginable transformation in their life's, is that Prime Minister Hun SEN has given them more than national pride, or independence or growth or a stable job or has helped millions to be lifted out of poverty.
Yes he did all that.. but he did something more for the people of Cambodia, he gives them a sense of direction, of stability in a troubled world, he gives them the conscience that every day will be a better one, that every day things will be done better and more diligent, in a word he gave to the people of Cambodia the diamond of HOPE.
This is what we need in the world of today from a GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: to help us restore hope to the world.
Hope that the reconstruction is possible.
There are so many to be reconstructed in the world of today, so many nations plagued by wars, terrorism and destruction or plagued by climate change-related disasters need advice and guidance.
And who knows better to rebuild that Prime Minister Hun Sen?
I will give you some figures to understand something about the man who has taken Cambodia from zero to hero: from 2 billion GDP in 1979 to 54 USD billions today, from 50 USD per capita to 3.488 USD today, from zero foreign investments to 1,7 billion investment`s yearly.
From cities reduced to rubble by US bombardments and millions of peoples without home or hope, from abandoned temples and hamlets all needed to be rebuilt, to be restored in the country and with no help, the government led by Prime Minister Hun Sen created this miracle, the Cambodian miracle.
Having the shining example of Cambodia of today before our eyes these are the best qualification description and credential for a future GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
Cambodia of today, a country that is rapidly modernizing, that has become a center of encounter and dialogue for all the people for the world, that was transformed in an example of development and that is generously opening his gates for all the nations in search of cultural enlightenment, historical research and patrimony exploration.
PHNOM PENH is today a center for world diplomacy, where crises are settled and statesman's are finding new ways for cooperation, a center of innovation and inventivity, a place where tradition and new, culture and technology are blending in a perfect way.
This is the true calling card for a leader for XXI century, for a GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, for a man for whom development goals are not just a piece of paper or words to ring hollow, but are a lifetime work, are part and parcel of his existence and activity.
This year in local democratic and free elections, the people of Cambodia have the perfect occasion to pass judgment and express support to Prime Minister Hun Sen vision and they did this admirably, as a testimony of their indelible trust in his foresight.
Now we have the privileged and the honor of voting for Prime Minister Hun Sen, the man who created a free and democratic Cambodia, a country where all are equal under the sun of Angkor and where hope still survives.
Now we have entrusted him with the highest honor that we can give: to be our voice, to represent humanity aspirations for a better world, to be our world ambassador, leader and creator of visionary policies.
I must emphasize that: the recognition as GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS is addressed also to the people of Cambodia.
H.E Prime Minister HUN SEN is the democratically elected voice of the people of Cambodia and he represents the will of the Cambodian people, the will of unity, his industriousness, his energy in building a better and powerful and independent Cambodia, this is the marvelous people of Cambodia that we honor today.
Last year, I was having a special feeling when I remarked that the world needs Academician HUN SEN exertions and contribution, well this year this appeal becomes more real than ever.
In a recent declaration, Prime Minister Hun Sen said he is contemplating staying in the service of his nation for at least ten more years.
Well, we need him for at least twenty more, to steer us on the path of development goals completion and fruition and to help us build a better world, a world of peace and understanding, a world of hope.
Your Excellency, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Prime Minister HUN SEN we entrust you with the responsibility of GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS reminding you our commitments: to support humanity, to leave no one behind and no one excluded, to build a better world for us all.
These are the bonds that unite us, give form to our aspirations, to our belongings, and this is the language of humanism and human dignity, the language of an AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
Prime Minister HUN SEN the world recognized you as THE NEW GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
May you lead the world in the right direction!
01/12/2017
EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE APPOINTS NEW GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM
Academician HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia received from the President of European council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) the certificate accrediting him as an ambassador of the Tourism and Global Sustainable Development Goals, with a mandate to be observed globally until 2030.
Cultural diplomacy, peace building and understanding were some of the components of sustainable tourism highlighted by the President of ECTT, Professor Dr. ANTON CARAGEA.
The ceremonies for a H.E. Academician HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia as GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
European Council on Tourism and Trade, European Tourism Academy and The Parliamentary Assembly for Sustainable Development Goals appointed H.E. Academician HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia as GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS in recognition of a life time effort promoting sustainable development, inclusive and supportive tourism and in order to harness his abilities and knowledge for the benefit of world-wide growth, employment, and development agenda 2030 of the United Nations.
H.E. Academician HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia is the new GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
The announcement was made by the Executive President of Parliamentary Assembly for the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals -SDG, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea on 27 November 2017 while the official handover of the Letter of the designation will take place on December 9, 2017 in Phnom Penh on the fringes of 2017 WORLD TOURISM AWARDS.
You can find out more about these topics here:
♦ THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR SDG
♦ EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY
♦ EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE AND SDG
♦ TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
♦ CAMBODIA-WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION
♦ GLOBAL AMBASSADORS FOR TOURISM AND SDG
The LETTER OF DESIGNATION reads in part:
The aim of human society is the common welfare and in 2015 the United nations acted on this sacred principle and enacted the SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS as a way further to achieve this human desiderate.
The SDGs represent a commitment taken by all nations to work together to end poverty, achieve shared prosperity, build peace and secure a life of dignity and a healthy planet for present and future generations.
It is not by chance that we met in Phnom Penh, recently sacred as World Capital of Culture and Tourism to find in Academician HUN SEN the world newest global ambassador and the voice supporting world-wide peace and development and fostering tourism (Professor Dr. Anton Caragea)
Tourism is in the world of today a linchpin in achieving and enhancing world development, creating much-needed employment and opportunities for growth and social inclusion and creating much-needed economic resources to be used to protect and promote the cultural heritage.
Tourism in the world of today is the new form of diplomacy, bringing people, nations, creeds and religions together, in order to foster mutual respect and tolerance.
Today sustainable and responsible tourism is providing sustainable infrastructure, business opportunities, jobs and income and most important the opportunities for a dignified and useful life.
In order to bring together for the benefit of mankind and humanity the transformative powers of tourism, culture and sustainable development goals we have created a unique tool to influence positive change, to foster development and to carve out a better future for humanity: The Global Ambassadors for Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals.
The Global Ambassadors for Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals will build on their world level statesmanship, prowess and leadership in order to ensure the promotion of tourism and SDGs as part of a development, culture and peace driven global agenda.
In light of this generous and world-wide encompassing mission, We would like to congratulate Your Excellency for accepting the great honor and the immense responsibility to act as a world leader and Global Ambassador for Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals.
H.E. Academician HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia is the new voice of world tourism: GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)