Finding ways for Hoi An and Da Lat to remain UNESCO “creative cities”

The transformation of the local government model in Quang Nam and Lam Dong has made Hoi An and Da Lat no longer provincial cities but wards. This raises concerns about the legal status and ability of the two localities to fulfill their international commitments when continuing to be members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Community music has been developed in Da Lat for many years. Photo: DOAN KIEN

Responding to reporters of SGGP Newspaper, Ms. Tran Ai Van, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), said that Vietnam currently has 3 cities recognized by UNESCO as members of this network: Hanoi , Hoi An and Da Lat. After implementing the 2-level local government model, Hoi An and Da Lat are no longer city-level administrative units but are divided into ward and commune-level administrative units. Not being city-level administrative units causes certain difficulties in the management mechanism and implementation of programs and actions committed to UNESCO. Faced with this situation, the Department of International Cooperation has proactively worked with UNESCO and conducted internal consultations to find a suitable solution.

The UNESCO representative said that this situation was unprecedented, and affirmed that participation in the network was on behalf of the city, while the organizational structure and implementation of the creative program were decided by the member country. “The important issue is whether Vietnam continues to fully implement its registered commitments,” said Ms. Ai Van.

To maintain membership, the Department of International Cooperation has proposed establishing an executive board or program management board chaired by the local Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, ensuring the implementation of specific actions and conducting periodic reviews. Localities are currently developing appropriate organizational plans, before entering the UNESCO four-year evaluation cycle.

MAI AN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/tim-cach-de-hoi-an-da-lat-van-la-thanh-pho-sang-tao-cua-unesco-post805738.html