Vietnam was elected to become a member of the World Heritage Committee for the 2023-2027 tenure on November 22 within the framework of the 24th session of the General Assembly of States Parties to the World Heritage Convention held in Paris, France.

With 121/171 valid votes, Vietnam has achieved the highest number of votes in the Asia-Pacific region.

Vietnam’s official candidates to the World Heritage Committee for the 2023-2027 tenure include Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi Thu Hien, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Kim, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Sinh, and Dr. Nguyen Viet Cuong.

The supporting team consists of 27 members, including experts from the National Council of Cultural Heritage, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam, and the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO - Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO Affairs.

Vietnam's contribution recognized

The World Heritage Committee is one of the most important executive bodies of UNESCO, with the right to decide on key issues related to the recognition of world cultural and natural heritage sites; Review and evaluate the conservation status of world heritage sites globally; Decide on policies, budget, guidelines and development orientation of the World Heritage Convention.

The Presidium announced the voting results. Photo: MOFA

This is also the convention with the largest number of members of UNESCO with 195 countries. With such nature, the election to become one of the 21 member countries of the World Heritage Committee is always difficult and highly competitive, according to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc, Chairman of the Vietnam National Committee for UNESCO, Head of the Vietnamese delegation attending the 42nd Session of the General Assembly of the UNESCO.

This is important in many aspects, affirming Vietnam's policies on foreign affairs, integration, promoting economic diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, bilateral relations, and multilateralism, Deputy Minister Ha Kim Ngoc said.

Accordingly, gaining a high number of votes can also demonstrate Vietnam’s prestige in the international arena, the trust and support of the international community with ability to contribute and manage in multilateral institutions.

It also acknowledges Vietnam’s practical contributions in relations with UNESCO, in preserving and promoting heritage values in Vietnam and around the world.

Overview of the 42nd Session of the General Assembly of UNESCO. Photo: MOFA

A series of good news recently came to Vietnam such as Vietnam was elected as Vice President of the 42nd session of the UNESCO's General Conference; Da Lat and Hoi An joined the Creative Cities Network; Progenitor of Vietnamese traditional medicine Hai Thuong Lan Ong-Le Huu Trac is honored as an eminent personality, portraiting Vietnam as dynamic in innovation and international integration, but still rich in tradition and imbued with national identity.

Ha Kim Ngoc said this is the result of the effective implementation of the Cultural Diplomacy Strategy until 2030 with support from international partners.

Participate in operating UNESCO activities

Ambassador Le Thi Hong Van, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to UNESCO, emphasized that for the first time Vietnam joins five important operating mechanisms of UNESCO at the same time: Member of the UNESCO Executive Council for the 2021-2025 tenure, Vice President of the 42nd session of the UNESCO's General Conference, Vice Chairman of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions for the 2021-2025 tenure, member of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2022-2026 tenure and member of the World Heritage Committee for the 2023-2027 tenure.

Vietnamese delegation attends the 42nd Session of the General Assembly of UNESCO. Photo: MOFA

Vietnam has the opportunity to contribute more proactively to major programs and orientations of UNESCO, raising awareness of the importance of heritage because this is not only an essential resource for cultural diversity, creativity, intercultural dialogue, and social cohesion but also a driving force for peace, self-reliance, and sustainable development.

As a member of the World Heritage Committee for the 2023-2027 tenure, Vietnam will have favorable conditions to contribute to the implementation of the goals and priorities of the World Heritage Convention, sharing experiences in handling conservation and development.

Sharing with the press on the evening of November 22, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi Thu Hien, Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said: "As a member of the World Heritage Committee, Vietnam will join 20 other member countries in taking responsibility for monitoring the implementation of the Convention; protect, conserve and promote the value of 1,199 world heritage sites globally; consider the criteria for registering new world products to supplement, promote and transmit historical and cultural values to future generations, contributing to the sustainable development of the world."