At the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in New Delhi, India, a significant move was made to recognize Vietnam’s achievements in fulfilling its commitments to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage. The Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, has been a testament to Vietnam’s dedication to safeguarding its rich history.
The WHC highly appreciated Vietnam’s efforts and approved a dossier on the preservation and promotion of the site’s values. This decision is expected to facilitate the restoration of the Kinh Thien Palace, a primary relic within the citadel. Ha Kim Ngoc, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, emphasized the importance of this dossier, highlighting the WHC members’ praise for Vietnam’s willingness, seriousness, and responsible spirit in cooperating with the World Heritage Centre and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
Ngoc also expressed his gratitude for the approval of the dossier, dedicating it as a tribute to the late General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, Nguyen Phu Trong, who played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the value of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. The Director of the World Heritage Centre, Lazare Eloundou Assomo, echoed these sentiments, stating that the dossier is significant not only for Vietnam but also for the world, as it sets a precedent for heritage development and cooperation with UNESCO and the advisory body.
During the session, Ngoc held meetings with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and WHC Chairman Vishal V. Sharma, as well as a working session with ICOMOS President Teresa Patricio and other prominent figures. These gatherings served as a platform for condolences to be offered to the Vietnamese leaders and people following the passing of General Secretary Trong. The leaders of UNESCO, ICOMOS, and countries’ delegations commended Vietnam’s strong cooperation and effective contributions to the organization’s common affairs, solidifying its position as a key member state.
Vietnam’s dedication to heritage preservation and promotion, in alignment with sustainable development, was applauded, and the country was encouraged to continue its close coordination, innovative initiatives, and knowledge-sharing with other regions and the world.
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