Speaking at an awards presentation ceremony in Hanoi on June 18, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Associations (VUFO) Vu Xuan Hong acknowledged Katherine’s efforts in promoting heritage preservation and strengthening friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and international friends.
Over the past five years, the UNESCO Chief Representative has played an important role in protecting tangible and intangible heritage examples in Vietnam. Her persistent efforts have helped Vietnam’s heritage gain global recognition.
Specifically she has been instrumental in gaining worldwide recognition for Dong Van Stone Plateau (a member of the Global Network of National Geoparks), Citadel of the Ho Dynasty (World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO), and Xoan folk singing (World Intangible Cultural Heritage).
