Zhu Weiqun, vicepresident and Secretary-general of the CAPDTC is delivering a speech at the 3rd China Tibetan Culture Forum opened in Lhasa.[Photo/Tibet.cn]

Zhu Weiqun, vice minister of China's United Front Work Department and Vice Chairman of China Association for Preservation and Development of Tibetan Culture ( CAPDTC ), delivered a speech at the 3rd China Tibetan Culture Forum opened in Lhasa on August 20, 2011.

He pointed out the preservation of Tibet's intangible cultural heritage was one of the predominant parts of Chinese ethnic and cultural policy.

To preserve and develop national culture is of vital necessity in all nations around the world, and it is also the purpose of CAPDTC，according to Zhu Weiqun.

The CAPDTC was formally founded in Beijing in June 2004, making up of 159 members and nine group members. Accomplished with scholars or experts on Tibetan studies and the outstanding figures  in related fields, the CAPDTC has successfully mobilized all members and other social resources to advance the preservation and prosperity of Tibetan Culture, added Zhu.

A large amount of resources have been invested on the protection of Tibet's intangible cultural heritage:

Renovation of historical sites
Since 1980s, nearly 700 million yuan has been allocated byChina’s central government for the maintenance and renovation of the Potala Palace, Norbulingka, Sakya Monastery, Jokhang Temple， etc. The CAPDTC organized its members to conduct investigation at well-known historical sites in Tibet to bring forward feasible suggestions to relevant government departments. All efforts have achieved positive results.

Organization of various Tibetan relics and cultural exhibitions and seminars
Tibetan relics and cultural exhibitions were held in Lhasa, Beijing, Hong Kong, and State California of the US in the names of "New Tibet", "Tibetan Culture Week", and "Tibetan Culture". And a series of seminars with many academic organizations were also held, such as the Seminar on "Tibetan Art and Archeology", making the world better understand the Tibetan Culture, and advancing the preservation and development of the Tibetan culture around the world.