Michael Croft, head of UNESCO Hanoi Office and representative in Vietnam, has proposed Hanoi participate in the organization’s network of creative cities.
Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Ngo Van Quy (R) meets with Head of UNESCO's representative in Vietnam Michael Croft
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As per the plan, the UNESCO attaches high importance to its collaboration with Hanoi. Specificially, the organization hopes for further partnership with Hanoi as the city of peace, a title given to Hanoi by the UNESCO nearly 20 years ago.
Moreover, “Hanoi can consider joining the creative cities network of UNESCO and being the first city in Vietnam to do so”, hinted Michael Croft, while suggesting a broader cooperation program with the city in preserving the Duong Lam ancient village – an unique heritage of the city.
Also at the meeting, other UNESCO representatives highlighted the hope that Hanoi would support the goal to turn culture into the focus of sustainable development strategy. On the other hand, the organization will help Hanoi with its consultation and support in mobilizing financial sources, boosting the public-private partnership.
For his part, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Ngo Van Quy thanked the proactive support of UNESCO in preserving and cultivating Hanoi's cultural values during the past time. UNESCO has given Hanoi the title “the City of Peace”, as well as recognized many Hanoi heritages, of which the city is making efforts to maintain and promote values, noted Quy.
The vice chairman also hoped the organization would keep the pace in boosting cooperation with Hanoi, heading to promote the city’s image worldwide. He suggested some tangible and intangible heritages of Hanoi that UNESCO can consider its recognition.
Regarding the Duong Lam ancient village, Quy said the attraction is well-known for its Vietnam’s northern delta-specific beauty. Hanoi welcomes projects that tend to preserve as well as lure more tourists to the site, raising the locals’ living standards. Hence, the city hopes the UNESCO would shake hands with the city in the issue.
The Hanoi official also acknowledged the UNESCO’s proposal that Hanoi might join its creative cities network. “We want more information on the mechanism, procedures needed to join the network, and then we can consider our participation”, said Quy.
