Hai Phong delegation attends UNESCO's 48th session
At the 48th session of UNESCO, a delegation from Hai Phong will participate in meetings focusing on strengthening capacity in heritage management, the nomination process for new heritage sites, and other related issues.
The 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee opened on July 19 in Busan, South Korea.
A delegation from Hai Phong, led by Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People's Committee Nguyen Minh Hung, is also participating in the session and will undertake a range of important activities aimed at strengthening international cooperation in the conservation and promotion of cultural heritage.
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In his opening remarks, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany emphasized that World Heritage is not only a legacy of the past but also a source of inspiration for the present and the future. He also called on countries to strengthen solidarity and cooperation in addressing shared challenges and safeguarding humanity's common heritage.
During the session, the Hai Phong delegation will participate in discussions on capacity building in heritage management, the state of conservation of inscribed World Heritage properties, procedures for nominating new World Heritage sites, the Tentative Lists of future nominations, and the examination of World Heritage nomination dossiers.
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The delegations from Hai Phong and Quang Ninh Province will also hold bilateral meetings with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and international experts to discuss the management and conservation of the Ha Long Bay–Cat Ba Archipelago World Natural Heritage Site and the Yen Tu–Vinh Nghiem–Con Son, Kiep Bac World Heritage Site.
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Through these activities, the delegation will gain updates on UNESCO's latest policies and recommendations regarding the management, conservation, and promotion of heritage values, while drawing on international experience to enhance the effectiveness of heritage management across the city.
The delegation will also strengthen exchanges with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the Advisory Bodies (ICOMOS and IUCN), and international experts to seek technical support and expertise. These efforts will underscore Hai Phong's role and commitment to implementing the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, while contributing to strengthening Vietnam's standing within UNESCO.
The session also provides an opportunity for Hai Phong to promote its image, cultural and tourism potential, and World Heritage sites to the international community. The city will reaffirm its consistent commitment to safeguarding the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of its World Heritage properties as the guiding principle of its development strategy. Heritage conservation requirements have been integrated into the city's development strategies, master plans, and policy directions, with a focus on green growth, ecotourism, and a sustainable marine economy, ensuring a balanced approach between conservation and development.
The 48th session has brought together approximately 3,000 participants, including representatives of States Parties, observer organizations, non-governmental organizations, and members of the academic community. During the session, delegates will examine 30 new nominations for inscription on the World Heritage List, consider three proposals for modifications to existing World Heritage properties, review the state of conservation of 147 inscribed properties, and discuss issues related to World Heritage management, conservation, and the implementation of the World Heritage Convention.
Tien Huy - Quang Hanh