Asia-Pacific Dialogue on Heritage and Authenticity to Convene in Vietnam

Vietnam is set to host the Asia-Pacific Dialogue on Heritage and Authenticity from September 27 to October 1, co-hosted by the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, the Hanoi People’s Committee, and the Ninh Binh Provincial People’s Committee. The event is set to welcome central and local agencies alongside roughly 250 delegates from across the region and beyond. (The press conference in Hanoi) The Hanoi dialogue builds on global discussions advanced during the 2025 conference in Nairobi, implementing World Heritage Committee decisions that encourage regional-level dialogues. Discussions will center on interpreting and evaluating authenticity within constantly evolving heritage settings while safeguarding core cultural values. Delegates will tackle practical challenges, including post-conflict and post-disaster heritage recovery, living heritage preservation, community stewardship, and the mounting pressures of rapid urbanization and climate change. Jonathan Wallace Baker, UNESCO Representative to Vietnam, noted that sharing these field experiences will help shape clearer, evidence-based approaches applicable across the wider World Heritage system. He also emphasized the significance of convening this dialogue as both sides look toward five decades of shared progress. Hosting the conference in Vietnam ahead of this milestone underscores a lasting partnership while unlocking fresh avenues for future cooperation. (Unveiling of the official visual identity commemorating 50 years of Vietnam’s membership in UNESCO) Le Thi Hong Van, Secretary-General of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, stated that the conference will highlight Vietnam’s policies and strategies in preserving and promoting heritage assets. The forum also links global experts with domestic authorities, localities, and organizations, while showcasing Vietnam’s cultural identity and tourism potential to international partners. During the event, Hanoi’s Imperial Citadel of Thang Long will be spotlighted as a premier case study in heritage preservation, restoration, and archaeological reconstruction. Lessons from the site will be presented as a working model, offering Hanoi a platform to engage regional experts on balancing heritage conservation with rapid urban growth, Van said. “Hosting a specialized regional forum on World Heritage not only demonstrates our organizational capability, but also reflects Vietnam’s proactive role in shaping global conversations on heritage preservation,” she emphasized. During the press briefing, organizers also launched the official graphic identity marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to UNESCO. The design will feature prominently across media campaigns and joint initiatives rolled out by UNESCO and its partners, celebrating a half-century of collaboration before domestic and global audiences. (Source: hanoimoi.vn) Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email… Subscribe