UNESCO acknowledges collaborative efforts in restoring Kinh Thien Palace
WVR - On September 29, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Investment Project on the Preservation, Renovation, and Restoration of Kinh Thien Palace, Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, highly praised the research, documentation, consultation, and dialogue process between Vietnam and UNESCO, ICOMOS, and the World Heritage Committee in the restoration of Kinh Thien Palace and its surrounding area.
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According to Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, the groundbreaking marks a significant step forward in a long and essential process that began in 2023.
The World Heritage Centre, along with the UNESCO Office in Hanoi, has accompanied and supported Vietnam from the initial steps to the decision approved by the World Heritage Committee at its session last July in the Republic of Korea.
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| Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Investment Project on the Preservation, Renovation, and Restoration of Kinh Thien Palace on September 29. (Source: Van Hoa) |
Collaboration based on research and dialogue
The Director of the World Heritage Centre considers this process a model of exemplary dialogue, in which scientific research, documentation, consultation, and professional exchanges are continuously conducted.
He expressed appreciation for the leadership of General Secretary, President To Lam in the cooperation between Vietnam, UNESCO, the World Heritage Committee, and the Advisory Body ICOMOS.
According to him, Vietnam's ratification of the World Heritage Convention in 1987 demonstrates the country's consistent respect for the standards and prestige of the Convention. Vietnam is currently not only a member country but also an active member, holding the position of Vice Chairman of the World Heritage Committee.
Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo also acknowledged Vietnam's efforts in implementing the recommendations of the World Heritage Committee, thanking the Chairman and Secretary-General of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, the Vietnamese Ambassador to UNESCO, and various agencies and experts for their cooperation over the years.
The Director of the World Heritage Centre also praised the role of the Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre, the research team, archaeologists, architects, and experts involved in the project's preparation. UNESCO and ICOMOS experts have continuously provided advice, shared experiences, and expertise with the Vietnamese professional team.
In the historical flow of Thang Long Imperial Citadel
According to Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, the unique feature of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel is its exceptional continuity as a center of political and cultural power for nearly 13 centuries. This site holds profound significance for Vietnamese history and identity, while also serving as a special testament to the shared history of humanity.
The value of the heritage site, he noted, lies not only in the archaeological relics and historical structures but also in the layers of history, memory, and tradition preserved through the relics, along with the strong connection of the heritage site with the people of Hanoi. Kinh Thien Palace, deeply tied to this history, is an important part of the World Heritage.
“The restoration initiated today marks the beginning of a phase of even stronger cooperation between Vietnam, UNESCO, ICOMOS, and the World Heritage Committee,” said Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo.
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| Design for the restoration of Kinh Thien Palace. (Source: Van Hoa) |
The Director of the World Heritage Centre believes that Vietnam has invested significantly in deepening the understanding of the heritage site. These efforts, along with continued dialogue, will play an essential role in the project's implementation.
He emphasised the shared responsibility of all parties to ensure that future generations can understand why the Thang Long Imperial Citadel contributes to humanity's understanding of history, while also recognizing the significance of restoring Kinh Thien Palace.
“The ceremony marks the beginning of a new phase, reaffirming our commitment to understanding, protecting, and passing on the special heritage values of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel to future generations,” Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo affirmed.
