On September 6, the 50th anniversary of the Convention for the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage (Convention 1972) took place in Ninh Binh with the theme “World Heritage for resilience and sustainable development”.

Performing arts to celebrate the anniversary (Photo: Le An)

The celebration and the welcoming event for the General Director of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay demonstrate the role, contribution and responsibility of Vietnam to the international community in order to honor and promote the values ​​of the Convention while also helping to spread the word. Vietnam’s achievements in preserving and promoting world heritage.

This is also an opportunity to affirm Vietnam’s position within the framework of the UNESCO mechanism, implement the Vietnam-UNESCO Memorandum of Understanding for the period of 2021-2025, and create favorable conditions for Vietnam to run for membership of the Commission. World Heritage for the term 2023-2027

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc, Chairman of the National Committee of UNESCO Vietnam, held talks with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay right before the Celebration. (Photo: Tran Huan)

Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc, Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, said that the 1972 Convention was the first and only international convention that linked the concept of nature protection with the preservation of cultural heritage, bringing a new approach with the necessary legal bases, ensuring a balanced and harmonious relationship between people and nature.

Over the past 50 years, the convention has been increasingly developed, perfected and proven to be one of the most influential international conventions in the field of cultural and natural heritage conservation. Nature has universal value, just as the spirit of UNESCO defines “is what we inherit from the past, what is present in our lives and what we pass on to future generations.”

According to Deputy Minister Mr. Ha Kim Ngoc, with the role of “intellectual organization”, “a laboratory of ideas”, UNESCO has facilitated and supported Vietnam not only in knowledge, key resources, upgrading capacity to develop and build the country, which has important contributors to the formulation of national strategies to realize development goals.

“The official visit to Vietnam by Ms. General Director Audrey Azoulay with many meaningful activities continues to affirm the value and importance of the effective and practical relationship between Vietnam and UNESCO. This celebration also contributes to raising awareness of the community, promoting the preservation and conservation of cultural and natural heritages of Vietnam in particular and the world in general,” Mr. Ha Kim Ngoc said.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc, Chairman of the National Committee of UNESCO Vietnam, spoke at the Ceremony. (Photo: Tran Huan)

Sharing about the reason for organizing this important event in Ninh Binh, Mr. Ngoc said that the scenic complex Trang An (Ninh Binh) is not only an invaluable asset of Vietnam but also of all humanity, contributing to the development of Vietnam. diverse and rich map of the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

“I am very happy and moved by the majestic and poetic natural landscape, meanwhile, Ninh Binh has completely changed its socio-economic face. It is a clear demonstration of the success in linking conservation and promotion of heritage with tourism development, socio-economic development and improvement of the lives of indigenous communities, which clearly shows especially the active participation of people working in boating or tourism services in Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex,” Mr. Ha Kim Ngoc said.

During the 35 years of participating in the 1972 Convention, the National Committee of UNESCO Vietnam has regularly and is the fastest connection channel, bringing the highest efficiency in promoting activities to improve the capacity and expertise of heritage conservation property; promote international cooperation and heritage education.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Mr. Nguyen Van Hung assessed world heritage sites in Vietnam effectively and positively contributing to sustainable economic and social development, creating jobs in the locality, community, contributing to the development of tourism, trade and investment, promoting the national image, culture, history and tradition of Vietnam to international friends.

Within the framework of the UNESCO mechanism in general and the Convention on the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage in particular, Vietnam is a responsible, reputable member who always fulfills well and qualitatively its membership obligations, which is recognized and appreciated by the international community” Mr. Hung said.

Minh Thu (Vietnam+)