The World Heritage Committee agrees with the orientation and vision for conservation and development of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel heritage.

The dossier for the preservation and promotion of the value of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel World Heritage Site has been approved, opening up the possibility of reopening the Imperial Axis and moving towards restoring the space and the Kinh Thien Main Hall.

The Vietnamese delegation attended the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee.

At 10:30 local time (12:00 Hanoi time) on July 24th, at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in New Delhi, India, during the 46th session, the Chairman of the World Heritage Committee, Vishal V. Sharma, gave approval to Decision No. 46 COM 7B.43, officially agreeing with Vietnam's proposals on the direction and vision for research, conservation, and development of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel World Heritage Site. Initially, this dossier was scheduled to be considered on the morning of July 25th; however, at Vietnam's request, the Chairman and all members of the Committee agreed to expedite the consideration by one day. Accordingly, the World Heritage Committee acknowledged and highly appreciated the achievements that Vietnam has made in fulfilling all the commitments of the Vietnamese Government since the heritage site was inscribed in 2010. The dossier for the preservation and promotion of the values ​​of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel World Heritage Site was approved, opening up the possibility of reopening the Imperial Axis, leading to the restoration of the space and the Kinh Thien Palace. The Chairman of the Vietnam National UNESCO Committee, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc, affirmed the particularly important significance of the dossier, which is "the priority of all priorities"; emphasizing that the members of the World Heritage Committee highly appreciate Vietnam's proactive, serious, and responsible spirit in cooperating and accompanying the World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS to realize the nation's aspirations on the basis of ensuring compliance with the provisions of the World Heritage Convention, adhering to Vietnam's commitments, and further promoting the outstanding universal value of the heritage site. The Chairman of the Vietnam National UNESCO Committee emphasized that the approval of the dossier is a heartfelt tribute to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who has always been concerned with the preservation and promotion of the value of Thang Long Imperial Citadel – a sacred symbol of the nation and the center of political power for 13 centuries in Vietnam. Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Thu Ha stated that the results achieved at this meeting mark the close cooperation and collaboration of the Vietnam National UNESCO Committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and domestic and international scientists with Hanoi in the process of building, submitting, and advocating for the scientific dossier, as well as the dedicated advice of UNESCO's specialized agencies, the World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS. Director of the Lazare World Heritage Centre, Eloundou Assomo, affirmed that the dossier is of significant importance not only to Vietnam but also to the world, linked to new issues related to the development process of heritage sites; considering it a model of cooperation between a member state and UNESCO and its advisory body, and also a prime example of world heritage site conservation.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc and UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

Within the framework of the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee, the Chairman of the UNESCO National Committee, Ha Kim Ngoc, held meetings and working sessions with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and the Chairman of the World Heritage Committee, Vishal V. Sharma; and chaired a working session with the President of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), Teresa Patricio, and the Director-General of ICOMOS, Marie-Laure Lavenir, and heads of delegations from various countries.

During working sessions and meetings, leaders of UNESCO, ICOMOS, and heads of delegations from various countries expressed their deepest condolences to the leaders, people of Vietnam, and the family of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on this great loss. Partners highly appreciated the excellent cooperation between Vietnam and UNESCO and its member states, as well as Vietnam's important and effective contributions to the Organization's common work, as a member of six key governing mechanisms. They emphasized that Vietnam is a model for cooperation between member states and advisory bodies in the conservation and promotion of heritage values ​​associated with sustainable development; and expressed their hope that Vietnam would continue to cooperate closely, promote initiatives, and share its experiences in the region and internationally. Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Thu Ha highly appreciated and thanked ICOMOS for its companionship and support in the process of developing the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage Conservation Dossier. Emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue and mutual trust, they expressed their hope for continued close cooperation with ICOMOS in promoting the value of heritage sites in the future. Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee, Nguyen Thi Hanh, highlighted the special cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac complex of historical and scenic sites, expressing her pleasure in welcoming ICOMOS experts to Vietnam to assess the nomination dossier. At the same time, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong City People's Committee, Le Khac Nam, shared the desire of both Quang Ninh and Hai Phong to add cultural criteria to the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago World Natural Heritage site, requesting ICOMOS's continued support for Vietnam. Leaders of UNESCO and ICOMOS pledged to support Vietnam in developing and promoting the heritage dossiers that Vietnam has proposed.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc and other delegates.

The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee will continue until July 31st to consider 27 new heritage inscriptions and 124 dossiers on the conservation and promotion of the value of the 34th session of the United Nations Maritime Conservation and Promotion Committee (SPLOS), held from June 10-14.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/uy-ban-di-san-the-gioi-dong-thuan-voi-dinh-huong-tam-nhin-bao-ton-va-phat-trien-di-san-hoang-thanh-thang-long.html