The delegation of UNESCO Assistant Director General for Natural Sciences visited and worked at the World Heritage Site of Thang Long Imperial Citadel

9 September, 2024

On the morning of September 9, 2024, the leadership and staff of the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center had the honor of welcoming Ms. Lidia Brito, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, along with a delegation, for a visit and working session at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a World Heritage site in Hanoi, Vietnam. The event aimed to strengthen cooperation between UNESCO and Vietnamese cultural agencies, while also contributing to the preservation and promotion of the cultural values of this internationally significant heritage site.

Ms. Lidia Brito and her delegation conducted an on-site visit to several important areas of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, including the Doan Mon Gate, the Kinh Thien Palace Dragon Steps—once the center of power for the Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties—as well as precious archaeological relics, the Royal Treasures Exhibition, and paid tribute to the past kings who once ruled, marking the proud history and culture of Thang Long – Hanoi. Throughout the tour, Ms. Lidia Brito was highly enthusiastic as she listened to the guide’s explanations about the history of each site within the Imperial Citadel. She particularly emphasized the value of the artifacts discovered here, noting that they not only serve as evidence of Vietnam’s prosperous past but also represent valuable resources for historical and cultural research.

After the tour, the delegation returned to the meeting room of the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center to conduct a working session. During the meeting, UNESCO representatives shared their experiences in cultural heritage preservation worldwide, while also listening to the challenges Vietnam faces in its preservation efforts. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc, Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, and Mr. Nguyen Thanh Quang, Director of the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, presented the ongoing conservation projects at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. These projects range from the restoration of relics to the development of educational programs aimed at raising community awareness about the value of cultural heritage. Ms. Lidia Brito affirmed that UNESCO will continue to support Vietnam in its efforts to preserve cultural heritage by facilitating connections with international experts to share knowledge and experience.

This event exemplifies the continuous commitment and efforts of the Vietnamese government in preserving and promoting the value of cultural heritage, while also reaffirming UNESCO’s role in supporting member nations in safeguarding the shared cultural assets of humanity. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long will remain an unmissable destination for history and culture enthusiasts, not only in Vietnam but also for international visitors.

(Some images of Ms. Lidia Brito and the delegation at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long)