UNESCO helps Hà Nội uphold cultural heritage values

HA NOI — UNESCO attaches special importance to cooperation with Ha Noi, especially in preserving and upholding the values of cultural heritages, said chief representative of the UNESCO Office in Viet Nam, Michael Croft. 

During a working session in Ha Noi on July 26 with Vice Chairman of the Ha Noi People’s Committee Ngo Van Quy, Croft said UNESCO had devised a two-year working strategy in Viet Nam and affirmed the organisation would offer consultancy, rally financial resources and work towards public-private partnerships in preserving and upholding the values of cultural heritages in the capital city. 

Pham Thi Thanh Huong, head of the office’s Cultural Department, said Ha Noi is home to numerous heritages with values highly appreciated by UNESCO experts. 

According to her, Ha Noi has incorporated heritage preservation into sustainable tourism development, notably in Thang Long Imperial Citadel and Duong Lam ancient village. 

UNESCO was ready to work with Ha Noi to hold scientific seminars and improve community-based tourism quality, she said. 

She hailed Ha Noi’s initiatives such as launching a pedestrian street around Hoan Kiem lake and Hanoi Creative City and proposed that the city join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), towards becoming a global destination for intellectuals and innovation. 

Vice Chairman Quy, for his part, said Ha Noi hoped that UNESCO would continue with its studies, surveys and consultation in the process of preserving and upholding values of cultural heritages, including Duong Lam ancient village. 

On the proposal to join the UCCN, he asked the office to provide the city with more information for consideration. — VNS