On April 22, the Ministerial Panel of the Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ 2025 took place, featuring cultural ministers and senior officials from 17 countries. Participants exchanged views and shared experiences on policies and measures to promote arts and cultural development. Organized in Hong Kong, the forum aims to enhance the city's role as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange.
The theme of the Forum is "Connect, Create, Engage: Bridging Cultures for All." During the opening of the Panel, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, emphasized the rapid global changes and inevitable technological advancements. She advocated for a people-oriented approach to arts and cultural development, focusing on connecting with, creating for, and engaging more people. Miss Law highlighted Hong Kong's unique position as a major art trading hub in Asia and its commitment to sharing compelling stories about the city.
In addition to speeches from Miss Law and Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Gao Zheng, cultural ministers and officials from countries including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Korea, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Slovakia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam also addressed the panel.
The Acting Chief Executive, Mr. Chan Kwok-ki, hosted a gala dinner for the delegations and local cultural leaders. The event featured performances by local musicians, an inclusive orchestra, and an a cappella choir, showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary Chinese and Western music, reflecting Hong Kong's vibrant arts and culture scene.
In his dinner speech, Mr. Chan noted that the government is actively promoting Hong Kong's development as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange, supported by the National 14th Five-Year Plan. He described Hong Kong as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" between the Mainland and the global community.
Delegations attending the forum visited the Hong Kong Museum of Art and Oil Street Art Space (Oi!) on April 21. They are scheduled to participate in a plenary session and visit the Hong Kong Palace Museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District on April 23.
The Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum has been held since 2003 to promote cultural cooperation and exchanges among regions. Building on the success of previous forums, this year's event, themed "Connect, Create, Engage: Bridging Cultures for All," has expanded its scope by inviting additional Asian countries and Belt and Road countries outside of Asia for the first time, aiming to enhance cultural exchanges in the region.
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