Vietnam is a Model of Effective Cooperation With UNESCO
	Ninh Binh: Activities To Mark Trang An's 10th Anniversary As World Heritage Site

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO Ha Kim Ngoc, led the Vietnamese delegation to this session. This marks Vietnam's first participation as a member of the Committee for the 2023-2027 term.

The Vietnamese delegation at the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO in New Delhi, India. (Photo: Bao Chi)

In his inaugural speech at the plenary session, Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc commended the host country, India, for its meticulous organization of the event. He also praised the World Heritage Centre for its efforts in promoting the goals of the Convention, enhancing cooperation, and supporting countries in capacity building, conservation, and the promotion of heritage values.

He emotionally shared that at a time when the people of Vietnam are deeply mourning the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Vietnam wishes to emphasize the profound and great thoughts of the General Secretary on the role of culture as the spiritual foundation of society, the goal, the inner strength, and the crucial driving force for national development.

Vietnam remains committed to effectively implementing the World Heritage Convention, focusing on the conservation and promotion of the value of its eight World Heritage sites. This includes cooperation with the World Heritage Centre and advisory bodies, integrating the Convention's principles into legal and policy frameworks, and aligning with sustainable socio-economic development goals.

Vietnam participates in the session for the first time as a member of the World Heritage Committee for the 2023-2027 term. (Photo: Bao Chi)

This is exemplified by the National Target Program for Cultural Development to 2045 and the recently amended Law on Cultural Heritage currently under review by the National Assembly.

The Deputy Minister proposed that UNESCO and member countries promote international cooperation, implement the Convention effectively, share experiences, and build capacity for developing countries, African nations, and small island developing states. He also emphasized the importance of community, women, and youth involvement.

In this effort, Vietnam is committed to contributing to the World Heritage Fund and supporting members in enhancing heritage values as a driving force for peace, sustainable development, and future connectivity.

Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc, Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, speaks at the session. (Photo: Bao Chi)

On behalf of the 2,000 delegates from over 150 countries, Chairperson of the World Heritage Committee Vishal V. Sharma expressed appreciation for the meaningful message from the Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO. He also extended his condolences to the leaders, people of Vietnam, and the family of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong for the significant loss.

Earlier, on the morning of July 21, the Vietnamese delegation met with Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the World Heritage Centre. Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc highlighted the positive impact of Vietnam's World Heritage sites on local communities and the country's sustainable socio-economic development.

Pham Quang Ngoc, Chairman of the Ninh Bình Provincial People's Committee, highlighted the efforts to preserve and promote the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, aiming to transform Ninh Binh into a centrally governed city with a heritage focus and creativity.

The delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO at the session. (Photo: Bao Chi)

Vu Thi Thu Ha, Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi City People's Committee, affirmed Hanoi's commitment to preserving and enhancing the value of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel World Heritage site to meet Vietnamese people's expectations.

Standing Vice Chairman of the Thua Thien Hue Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Binh emphasized efforts to preserve and promote the value of eight UNESCO heritage sites, expecting the National Assembly to soon approve the proposal to make Hue a centrally-governed city based on heritage foundations.

Nguyen Thi Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee, emphasized the coordination of Hai Phong City in managing the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago heritage. She proposed support from the World Heritage Centre for the nomination of the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex.

Phan Phong Phu, Vice Chairman of the Quang Binh Provincial People's Committee, affirmed the province’s efforts to sustainably preserve the Phong Nha-Ke Bang heritage.

The Vietnamese delegation worked with Director of the World Heritage Center Lazare Eloundou Assomo. (Photo: Bao Chi)

Director of the World Heritage Centre Lazare Eloundou Assomo thanked Vietnam for its contributions and highlighted the country as a model in heritage preservation. He expressed a desire to share Vietnam's experiences with other member countries and affirmed the World Heritage Centre's support for Vietnam's heritage sites and nomination dossiers.

On the evening of July 21, the Vietnamese delegation attended the session's opening ceremony, which was attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several cabinet members, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Culture, and Tourism, and UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

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