Ha Noi Document marks new milestone in Viet Nam’s cultural diplomacy

The dialogue brought together world leaders and leading heritage experts, including the Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the Chairperson of the 49th session of the World Heritage Committee, and ambassadors representing members of the World Heritage Committee.

According to Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van, the conference addressed a core and long-term issue under the World Heritage Convention and achieved significant outcomes, reflected in four major highlights.

First, the adoption of the Ha Noi Document on Heritage and Authenticity marked an important shift in approaches and methodologies to heritage conservation at both regional and global levels.

For the first time, the Asia-Pacific region's perspective, supported by clear and well-grounded arguments, was incorporated into global discussions on heritage authenticity, contributing to the development of international thinking and policy in this field.

Second, the dialogue demonstrated Viet Nam's proactive role in initiating and leading international discussions.

Viet Nam was not only the host and co-chair of the conference but also actively contributed to setting its agenda and shaping discussions on global heritage policy, underscoring the country's growing role and responsibility in multilateral cultural cooperation.

Third, the event demonstrated the linkage between policy dialogue and practical action.

For the first time, a policy conference on heritage authenticity was directly connected with a concrete heritage conservation project—the groundbreaking ceremony for the conservation, restoration and rehabilitation of Kinh Thien Palace on September 29—as well as field visits to Trang An and Tam Chuc.

The delegates therefore had an opportunity not only to exchange views on theoretical and policy issues but also to witness firsthand Viet Nam's approach to heritage conservation at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

The site provides an exemplary model of international cooperation in safeguarding authenticity, enhancing outstanding universal value, and addressing the balance between conservation and development at a World Heritage site.

Fourth, the event affirmed Viet Nam's capacity to host major international events and promote cultural diplomacy.

The successful organization of the dialogue in Ha Noi and Ninh Binh demonstrated Viet Nam's capacity to serve as a reliable partner and a destination for major cultural and heritage initiatives and multilateral dialogue in the region, thereby contributing to enhancing the country's international standing and soft power.

Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van noted that the adoption of an international heritage document bearing the name of Ha Noi on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam-UNESCO relations was particularly meaningful, reflecting Viet Nam's evolving position and role in cultural diplomacy and multilateral mechanisms.

He described the event as a new milestone in Viet Nam-UNESCO relations over the past five decades, marking a transition from primarily receiving assistance and participating in cooperation to proactively making contributions to international heritage policy.

In 1981, when Viet Nam was still facing considerable postwar difficulties, the UNESCO Director-General called on the international community to join efforts to safeguard the ancient capital of Hue.

Forty-five years later, also in Ha Noi, Viet Nam worked with UNESCO and international experts to develop a strategic document on heritage.

"This vividly demonstrates the country's development and the depth of the Viet Nam-UNESCO partnership over the past half century," the Deputy Minister said.

The dialogue also demonstrated Viet Nam's growing capacity and credibility in initiating, connecting and helping shape strategic issues and major policies at the regional and global levels.

Alongside Viet Nam's initiative for the International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development 2027-2036, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly, the Hanoi Document further affirmed Viet Nam's increasing contribution to international policy orientation and professional expertise in culture and heritage.

It also reflected Viet Nam's participation in developing international standards on culture and heritage and its contribution to the common heritage of human civilization.

Cultural diplomacy creates resources for national development

Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van emphasized that the dialogue demonstrated how cultural diplomacy can open up opportunities and mobilize resources for national development.

The event helped translate into practice the orientations set out at the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW on Vietnamese cultural development, Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW on implementing the foreign policy set out at the 14th National Party Congress, and Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW on developing tourism into a key economic sector in the new era.

These efforts seek to turn cultural resources into assets that directly contribute to national development, strengthen Viet Nam's soft power, and enhance its international standing.

Kinh Thien Palace project opens new chapter for heritage conservation

Regarding the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kinh Thien Palace project and the future of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van described the site as a sacred symbol of the nation and a center of continuous political power in Viet Nam for 13 centuries.

He stressed that the commencement of the Kinh Thien Palace project was of particular significance.

Following 15 years of persistent research and cooperation, particularly intensive efforts over the past three years, the World Heritage Committee, for the first time in the nearly 55-year history of the World Heritage Convention, agreed to a modification of the existing state within the core zone of a World Heritage site.

"This year therefore marks a historic milestone, with a decisive step forward in support of the reconstruction of Kinh Thien Palace," he said.

Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, together with experts from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), affirmed that the Thang Long Imperial Citadel is of profound significance not only to Viet Nam but also to the world.

Given the unprecedented nature of the project and the new issues it raises concerning heritage conservation and development, they described it as a "miracle" and a Vietnamese contribution that could open new approaches to the conservation and promotion of World Heritage sites.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted the project as a model of cooperation among a member state, UNESCO and its advisory bodies, as well as an example of heritage conservation that could provide valuable experience for other countries.

International ambassadors and delegates viewed the cooperation on the Thang Long Imperial Citadel as valuable experience that should be widely shared with other World Heritage Convention member states.

Looking ahead, Viet Nam needs to continue fully implementing the commitments and recommendations of the World Heritage Committee while pursuing a long-term vision for the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van said.

This requires stronger cooperation with UNESCO, ICOMOS and international experts in conservation, restoration and rehabilitation, ensuring that all work is grounded in scientific research and preserves the site's authenticity, integrity and outstanding universal value.

These efforts will help bring national history to life, rekindle the collective strength built over thousands of years, and foster pride in the nation's roots, while fulfilling the aspirations of present and future generations./.