Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong held a meeting in Hanoi, on May 19, with Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, to discuss the preservation and promotion of Vietnam’s cultural heritage and the country’s contributions to the World Heritage programme.
Overview of the meeting. (Photo: Ngoc Lien)
At the meeting, Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong updated Assomo on the progress of major heritage dossiers, including Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the complex of Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac; the Oc Eo–Ba The archaeological site (An Giang), Con Moong Cave (Thanh Hoa), as well as Viet Nam’s intention to compile a dossier nominating the Co Loa Citadel as a World Cultural Heritage site.
As the head of the global heritage management agency, Assomo expressed appreciation for Viet Nam’s efforts in preserving and enhancing the value of its heritage sites.
He noted that while the Thang Long Imperial Citadel dossier was not approved this year, UNESCO would continue close coordination with ICOMOS. A team of advisory experts is scheduled to visit Viet Nam in late July to provide technical support for revising the dossier to meet international standards.
Regarding the dossier for the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex, Assomo said the ICOMOS evaluation report would be available soon, adding that the nomination holds significant meaning not only for Viet Nam but also for the broader region.
Assomo also expressed gratitude for the effective cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos in preparing the transnational nomination dossier for the Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park (Viet Nam) and Hin Namno National Park (Laos) to be inscribed as a World Natural Heritage site.
He further informed the Deputy Minister of UNESCO’s recent monitoring mission to Ha Long Bay, which included plans to meet with local authorities later this week. The mission aims to provide recommendations on balancing economic-tourism development with preserving the site's natural and cultural values.
Praising Viet Nam’s active role in the global heritage programme, Assomo stressed the importance of developing comprehensive management strategies for each heritage site and completing preliminary dossiers - an obligatory requirement for World Heritage nominations from 2027 onwards.
In conclusion, the Director of the World Heritage Centre emphasised that Viet Nam, with its extensive experience and achievements in heritage preservation, has a responsibility to share its models with other countries.
Viet Nam is regarded as a leading example for prioritising heritage conservation in its policy agenda and implementing sustainable development practices that benefit local communities.