Over 700 international delegates attend 21st Congress of IPPA in Hue

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The IPPA's 21st Congress, which runs until September 28, is considered one of the most important scientific event of archeology in the world, creating opportunity for archeologists to gain a deeper understanding of the progress of archeology in the Indo-Pacific region.

Accordingly, researchers will present scientific reports related to new theoretical approaches and technical enhancements in researching and laboratory analysis as well as innovative approaches in training and encouraging community to preserve heritage.

Speaking at the opening session, Pham Van Duc, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Social Sciences, said the congress would discuss the benefits of archeological studies for the whole community.

“Archeology has grown from studying the basics to getting involved with social issues. The growth is expected to benefit community life in light of heritage conservation, culture, education as well as connecting people from different regions and races,” he said.

Phan Thanh Hai, Director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre and Nguyen Giang Hai, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Archeology presented their speeches at the opening session which focused on the new findings made in the area over recent years and new findings from the pre-Epipaleolithic era found at sites in the country’s Central Highlands region.

During the event, delegates will also pay visits to relics built by the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945) in Hue.

Local researchers expect that hosting the congress would allow international researchers to get closer to the history of the land, where pre-historic relics were found and announced by late researcher Ho Tan Phan. 

Phan used to nurture the recognition among the global archeological community of pre-historic developments around Thua Thien-Hue as well as in eras before the settlement of the Champa and Vietnamese people since 1558.

The antecedent of IPPA was originally founded in 1929. It was termed the Far Eastern Prehistory Association from 1953 to 1976, after which the name was changed to Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association. IPPA aims to promote cooperation in the study of the prehistory of eastern Asia (east of 70º longitude) and the Pacific region; maintain scholarly communication through regular congresses, communications, and the IPPA Bulletin as well as uphold ethical standards in prehistorical research.