In a significant move to promote Chinese food culture on the global stage, the President of the China Cuisine Association (CCA), Ms. Yang Liu, along with a distinguished delegation, recently paid a visit to the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. This visit was marked by in-depth exchanges on the international dissemination and promotion of Chinese food culture. Additionally, the CCA delegation actively participated in gastronomy showcases in line with the “International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations”, further highlighting Chinese cuisine’s role in cultural diplomacy.
As a proud Worldchefs member, the China Cuisine Association’s engagement with UNESCO reflects our shared commitment to strengthening collaboration with UN bodies, fostering cultural exchange, and advancing the global culinary community.
Visit to UNESCO Headquarters: A Dialogue on Cultural Heritage
During the visit to UNESCO’s headquarters, Ms. Yang Liu and her delegation were warmly received by Mr. Qu Xing, the Deputy Director General of UNESCO, as well as China’s Permanent Representative to the UNESCO, Ambassador Yang Xinyu, and Deputy Representative Ms. Wang Ying. The discussions centered on the vital role of Chinese cuisine in fostering cross-cultural understanding and its growing impact as a medium of cultural exchange.
Mr. Qu Xing commended the CCA’s efforts in promoting Chinese cuisine globally, particularly noting the successful organization of Chinese culinary events at UNESCO. These events have garnered high praise from representatives of various countries, effectively bridging cultural divides and enhancing global appreciation for Chinese culinary arts. They have become a significant part of China’s cultural diplomacy, earning widespread acclaim on the international platform.
Ms. Yang Liu emphasized the CCA’s long-standing commitment to positioning Chinese cuisine as a vital window to understanding China. Through international events, professional training, and storytelling of Chinese culinary history, the association has significantly boosted Chinese cuisine’s global presence. In the realm of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) protection, the CCA has collaborated with local governments and industry organizations, successfully enlisting several Chinese culinary techniques in ICH registers at various levels. This ensures the preservation and promotion of these precious cultural assets.
Furthermore, the CCA is actively supporting Chinese cities in their bids to join UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network as “City of Gastronomy”. By integrating resources, offering professional guidance, and highlighting local food, the association is helping cities uncover the unique value of their local food cultures and refine their application.
Gastronomy Showcases for the “International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations”
Prior to the visit, the CCA, in collaboration with the Quanzhou Municipal People’s Government, presented a remarkable gastronomy showcase at UNESCO’s headquarters on June 5. In celebration of the “International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations” initiated by China at the United Nations, this event, titled “Dialogue among Youth on the Silk Road”, aimed to foster cultural exchange through the universal language of food.
The showcase featured a diverse menu that highlighted Quanzhou’s unique food heritage, intertwined with flavors from across China. The event included 7 cold dishes, 11 hot dishes, 5 street food, 2 main courses, 1 soup, and 14 tea snacks. Each dish was carefully crafted to reflect the rich cultural legacy of Quanzhou, a starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, and the depth of Chinese food culture.
The event was attended by over 400 guests, including officials from UNESCO, representatives of member states, international organizations, academic experts, and youth representatives. Ambassador Yang Xinyu, in her address, praised the efforts of the Quanzhou and the CCA in organizing the event. She underscored the power of food as a cultural ambassador, capable of transcending linguistic and cultural barriers to foster friendship and mutual understanding among nations. The event was lauded as a successful platform for cultural dialogue, effectively promoting mutual respect and understanding among diverse civilizations.
Looking Ahead: Continued Collaboration and Cultural Exchange
The CCA’s visit to UNESCO and the gastronomy showcases during the “International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations” mark significant milestones in the association’s mission to promote Chinese food culture globally. These activities not only highlight the cultural richness of Chinese cuisine but also underscore its potential as a powerful medium for international dialogue and understanding.
Moving forward, the CCA is committed to deepening its collaboration with UNESCO and other international organizations. By organizing more impactful events and initiatives, the association aims to further the global reach of Chinese food culture, contributing to the broader goals of cultural exchange and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.
