Vietnam to host Asia-Pacific Dialogue on Heritage and Authenticity: Press conference
WVR - From September 27 to October 1, the Asia-Pacific Dialogue on Heritage and Authenticity Conference will take place in Hanoi and Ninh Binh.
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| On the afternoon of September 22, a press conference was held in Hanoi regarding Vietnam hosting the Asia-Pacific Dialogue on Heritage and Authenticity Conference from September 27 to October 1, 2026. (Photo: Nguyen Nhuan) |
The conference is organized by the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the People's Committee of Hanoi, and the People's Committee of Ninh Binh Province, in collaboration with the UNESCO World Heritage Center and the UNESCO Office in Hanoi, with participation from central and local agencies.
According to information at the press conference, the event will gather around 250 delegates and experts from both domestic and international spheres—including representatives from government agencies, heritage experts, heritage management units, researchers, community representatives, knowledge holders, and youth. The aim is to exchange views on understanding, evaluating, and protecting authenticity within the World Heritage system, thereby contributing regional experiences to current global discussions.
The conference takes place in the context of significant changes in global heritage conservation over more than three decades since the Nara Document on Authenticity was adopted in 1994.
This event in Vietnam continues the international dialogue initiated at the 2025 conference in Nairobi (Kenya) and implements decisions by the World Heritage Committee encouraging similar dialogues at the regional level.
A central theme throughout this Dialogue is understanding and evaluating authenticity in contexts where heritage exists, transforms, and retains its core values. It also examines the relationship between authenticity and Outstanding Universal Value, as well as the role of communities, especially in the face of climate change, conflict, natural disasters, urbanization, tourism, and new technologies.
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| Mr. Jonathan Baker, Head of the UNESCO Office in Vietnam, emphasized the importance of authenticity in identifying and protecting World Heritage, set within the cultural context where the heritage exists. (Photo: Nguyen Nhuan) |
Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Jonathan Baker, Head of the UNESCO Office in Vietnam, stated that this conference could help disseminate Asia-Pacific experiences on living heritage, continuity, restoration, traditional knowledge, and community relationships with heritage to the world. This would lead to clearer, evidence-based approaches applicable throughout the World Heritage system.
Mr. Jonathan Baker also highlighted that the conference marks a significant milestone in the series of activities celebrating 50 years of Vietnam's membership in UNESCO (1976-2026), paving the way for future cooperation between Vietnam and the organization.
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| Ms. Le Thi Hong Van, Secretary-General of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, emphasized the significance of the Dialogue in efforts to preserve and promote the value of world heritage and Vietnam's international reputation and position. (Photo: Nguyen Nhuan) |
On behalf of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, Ms. Le Thi Hong Van, Secretary-General, emphasized that the conference will make significant contributions to efforts in preserving and promoting world heritage values both regionally and globally.
The conference will facilitate discussions on ensuring the authenticity of heritage, managing and promoting heritage values in contemporary life, as well as strategic, long-term issues of the World Heritage Convention.
For Vietnam, the conference contributes to the implementation of Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW and Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW in 2026 on promoting foreign relations, international integration, and cultural and tourism development, while affirming Vietnam's credibility and proactive role as a responsible member of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. This, in turn, enhances Vietnam's prestige and position in the global economy, global politics, and human civilization.
Ms. Le Thi Hong Van stated that this is also an opportunity for Vietnam to share experiences, exchange, and learn from partners, while seeking expert opinions and support for conservation and restoration projects like Dien Kinh Thien and the Main Hall Space of Kinh Thien, as well as Vietnam's world heritage nomination dossiers such as Oc Eo – Ba The, Co Loa, Cu Chi, Van Long – Kim Bang – Tam Chuc.
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| At the event, Mr. Jonathan Baker, Head of the UNESCO Office in Vietnam, and Ms. Le Thi Hong Van, Secretary-General of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, unveiled the official graphic commemorating 50 years of Vietnam's membership in UNESCO. (Photo: Nguyen Nhuan) |
Also at the press conference, the Organizing Committee unveiled the official graphic design commemorating 50 years of Vietnam's membership in UNESCO, to be used in all activities within the framework of the anniversary year.
Inspired by the Vietnamese conical hat, the UNESCO identity, and the Sustainable Development Goals, the design represents the cultural identity of Vietnam as well as the international spirit of Vietnam-UNESCO cooperation.
| The Asia-Pacific Dialogue on Heritage and Authenticity Conference will take place from September 27 to October 1, 2026, in Hanoi and Ninh Binh, Vietnam. The conference is hosted by the Government of Vietnam in collaboration with UNESCO; co-organized by the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, the People's Committee of Hanoi, and the People's Committee of Ninh Binh Province, with participation from relevant central and local agencies. The conference is expected to adopt the Hanoi Document on Heritage and Authenticity, reflecting regional perspectives and priorities, and promoting new global awareness and approaches to heritage through the exemplary case of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. |
