The provincial delegation at the Extended 45th session of the World Heritage Committee. Photo: Provincial People's Committee Office.

The meeting, taking place from September 10th to September 25th, 2023, is one of the most significant meetings of UNESCO, drawing special international attention.

On this occasion, the World Heritage Committee will examine the recognition of new world heritage sites, discuss the evaluation of the protection status of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and on draft amendments to the guidelines for implementing the UNESCO 1972 Convention.

The provincial delegation's attendance aims to grasp the new directions of the World Heritage Committee, in order to provide guidance to relevant departments on the conservation and promotion of the cultural heritage values of Thua Thien Hue province. At the same time, it seeks to enhance communication work to widely promote the cultural heritage of Hue as an attractive destination, characterized by the historical landmarks and especially the global values of the Hue Imperial City's heritage complex. Furthermore, it reaffirms the province's commitment to UNESCO in terms of managing, safeguarding, and improving the value of cultural property to concretize implementation measures. Additionally, it aims to strengthen the cooperation between Vietnam and UNESCO, focusing on the goal of preserving and conserving heritage for future generations.

 Chairman Nguyen Van Phuong presenting a commemorative gift to Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo. Photo: Provincial People's Committee Office.

Chairman Nguyen Van Phuong and the provincial delegation had a working session with Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo - Director of the World Heritage Centre.

During the session, Chairman Nguyen Van Phuong expressed his sincere thanks for UNESCO’s attention and support to the conservation of Hue’s cultural heritage. In particular, on the 30th anniversary of the Hue Imperial City World Heritage Complex and the 20th anniversary of the recognition of Hue Court Music as a UNESCO World Heritage, Mr. Lazare delivered a speech highly praising the work done in preserving Hue’s cultural heritage while ensuring a harmonious balance between conservation and sustainable development. This, he emphasized, is what UNESCO aims to achieve.

 Mr. Nguyen Van Phuong also expressed his hope that UNESCO would continue to accompany and strengthen its support for Thua Thien Hue in the preservation and sustainable development of its heritage.

On this occasion, the delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Vietnamese Embassy in Saudi Arabia.

By LE THO