Vietnam showcases heritage policies at Asia-Pacific UNESCO dialogue

Vietnam's culture and heritage preservation strategies took center stage at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Regional Dialogue on Heritage and Authenticity, which concluded in Hanoi this week. The event highlighted Vietnam's commitment to integrating cultural development with broader sustainable development goals, demonstrating how heritage conservation can support economic and social progress across the region.

Official representatives from participating nations heard detailed presentations on Vietnam's approach to protecting and promoting its cultural assets. The dialogue underscored Vietnam's role in advancing regional cooperation on heritage matters and its engagement with international cultural frameworks.

A significant focus of the gathering was Vietnam's proposal for an International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development spanning 2027-2036. The initiative seeks to position cultural heritage as a key driver of sustainable economic development and social cohesion across Asia and the Pacific.

As part of the dialogue's programming, UNESCO delegates visited the Trang An heritage complex in Ninh Binh province, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its outstanding karst landscape and cultural significance. The site visit provided firsthand observation of Vietnam's heritage management practices and conservation efforts.

The regional dialogue served to reinforce Vietnam's leadership in cultural preservation within Asia-Pacific while fostering deeper international collaboration on heritage protection strategies.