Hanoi seeks UNESCO’s support in preserving cultural heritage

Hanoi seeks further support from UNESCO to preserve its cultural heritage, including the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, said Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung during a meeting with the Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center Lazare Eloundou Assomo today [March 24].

Eloundo is currently in Vietnam to attend the ongoing international scientific conference titled "Promoting the role of world cultural and natural heritages for Vietnam's sustainable development," jointly held by the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO and Hanoi.

Hanoi delegation led by Secretary of municipal Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung, right, and UNESCO delegation by Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center Lazare Eloundou Assomo.

At the meeting, Dung said Hanoi has been recognized as the "Heritage City" thanks to its rich and diverse cultural heritage, its long history of civilization, and abundant cultural resources.

"The Party Committee and city government have prioritized cultural development by investing in the protection and preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, national culture, and the development of cultural institutions and works," Dung said.

According to the city Party chief, UNESCO has played a significant role in supporting Hanoi's efforts in cultural conservation, embellishment, and the promotion of traditional heritage values.

"The cooperation between Hanoi and UNESCO has contributed to the dissemination and promotion of Hanoi's unique heritage values, culture, and identity to both Vietnam and the international community during its renovation and integration into the global economy," he continued.

Dung expressed great appreciation for the World Heritage Center's support in preserving and promoting the heritage values of Hanoi, noting the presence of the Director of the World Heritage Center at the international scientific conference demonstrated UNESCO's dedication to working with local governments and heritage organizations.

"This also exemplifies Vietnam's commitment to strictly following the World Heritage Convention," Dung stated.

Dung noted for the time being, Hanoi has prioritized the preservation and optimal use of cultural resources at the World Heritage Site of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This includes promoting significant cultural values and creating favorable conditions for cultural activities that enhance the international integration of culture.

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Lai Tan/The Hanoi Times

"Such efforts contribute to achieving Hanoi's development goals for 2030 and vision for 2045," Dung said.

In addition, Dung noted the Government is also committed to expanding the archaeological excavation area, particularly in the Imperial Citadel, and to strengthening research to clarify the architectural value of relics from the Pre-Nguyen Dynasty on the central axis of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, which demonstrates the Government's dedication to fulfilling its promises to the World Heritage Committee.

He suggested the research findings have provided valuable information for Hanoi to make informed decisions on investing in restoring Kinh Thien Palace's main space.

In this regard, Dung expected to continue receiving support from the World Heritage Center, specifically Lazarre Eloundou, an expert in heritage conservation and management for this project.

One of the archaeological excavation areas in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

The Secretary of the City Party Committee stated that in 2023, Hanoi aims to have the necessary facilities to take the first steps toward restoring the main space of Kinh Thien Palace. This will allow locals and international tourists to learn about Vietnam's cultural history through the majestic and splendid main hall architecture representing the Thang Long Imperial Palace, symbolizing the country's rich historical and cultural values.

During the implementation process, Hanoi is committed to strictly adhering to the World Heritage Convention and protecting the outstanding global value of heritage sites, said Dung. The goal is to promote heritage values to achieve sustainable development, he continued.

The director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center agreed with the recommendations made by the Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee and commended the city government's commitment to preserving and promoting heritage. He also acknowledged Dung's statement that "culture plays a driving role in the development of the capital in the coming time."

Furthermore, Eloundou praised Vietnam's active role in preserving world heritage sites and expressed his hope that the country will continue to excel in this area.

Regarding Hanoi's plans to preserve and restore the main space of Kinh Thien Palace, Eloundou stated that both parties would collaborate closely to ensure that the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long continues to receive attention, appreciation, and support from the international community.