In Hanoi, the program will feature an opening ceremony, a closing session, plenary and group discussions, an exhibition, and a groundbreaking ceremony for the conservation, restoration and rehabilitation of Kinh Thien Palace at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. In Ninh Binh, delegates will visit the Trang An Landscape Complex and the Tam Chuc area.
Le Thi Hong Van, Secretary-General of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, said at a press briefing in Hanoi on Tuesday:
“The dialogue is expected to make an important contribution to preserving and promoting the value of world heritage in the region and globally. It will explore ways to preserve and promote heritage values, particularly issues concerning authenticity, from conservation and restoration to rebuilding, interpretation and heritage management. The dialogue will also provide a forum for Asia-Pacific countries to share their perspectives with the international community, contribute to joint efforts and seek appropriate approaches to global heritage conservation. The event is expected to adopt the Hanoi Document on Heritage and Authenticity.”
The dialogue takes place as Vietnam and UNESCO celebrate 50 years of cooperation in 2026.
More than 250 delegates from Vietnam and the region will attend the dialogue which will be jointly organized by the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, the Hanoi municipal People’s Committee and the Ninh Binh provincial People’s Committee, with the participation of central and local agencies.
This year, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming the International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development for 2027-2036, an initiative proposed by Vietnam. Hosting the Asia-Pacific Dialogue will provide another platform for Vietnam to share its experience and perspectives and contribute to global efforts to promote the role of culture in sustainable development.
