An ao dai performance at the conference (Photo: VNA)

100 delegates from the Republic of Korea, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam are attending the event.

Under the theme “Quality of life and the sustainable development of world heritage cities,” the conference will focus on policies and best practices in urban management that enhance the quality of life in cities with a rich cultural heritage. A highlight of the program will be a special session led by the organization’s General Secretariat to introduce the New Urban Project, which promotes smart, sustainable, community-centered urban models.

The 3-day event will feature an awards ceremony for the World Heritage Research Contest, a Content Creation Contest for Heritage Cities, a Korea-Vietnam fashion exchange, and performances of traditional Hue royal arts.

Established in 1993 and headquartered in Quebec city, Canada, the Organization of World Heritage Cities comprises 200 cities with UNESCO-recognized heritage sites. Their biennial conference is a platform for sharing experience and strengthening cooperation in protecting and promoting urban heritage.