The Asia-Pacific Dialogue on Heritage and Authenticity

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More than thirty years after the adoption of the Nara Document on Authenticity in 1994, the conditions in which heritage is understood, conserved and managed have changed considerably. Climate change, disasters, conflict, displacement, urbanization, tourism, digital technologies and evolving heritage practices are raising new questions about how authenticity is identified, assessed and safeguarded within the World Heritage system.

The Asia-Pacific Dialogue on Heritage and Authenticity will bring together cases and expertise from across the region to contribute to the ongoing international reflection on authenticity. It builds on the Nara Document on Authenticity and the 2025 Nairobi Outcome Document on Heritage and Authenticity, as well as relevant World Heritage Committee decisions and regional experience.

Its central purpose is to examine Asia-Pacific cases systematically, and to translate the findings into practical recommendations for heritage identification, Tentative Lists, Preliminary Assessments, nomination dossiers, evaluation, conservation, management, reconstruction and promotion, monitoring, training, and relevant national legal and policy frameworks. In doing so, the Dialogue will clarify how a broader but evidence-based understanding of authenticity can contribute to a more representative, balanced and credible World Heritage List, without weakening the requirements of Outstanding Universal Value, integrity, protection and effective management.

The Dialogue takes place in 2026, marking the 50th anniversary of relations between Viet Nam and UNESCO (1976–2026), while looking ahead to the 40th anniversary of Viet Nam’s participation in the 1972 World Heritage Convention in 2027.

See details HERE

Vietnam currently (08/2026) has 9 World Heritage Sites (including cultural, natural, and mixed sites), along with numerous intangible cultural heritages and documentary heritages recognized by UNESCO.
World Heritage Sites (Cultural, Natural, and Mixed)
  • Complex of Hue Monuments (1993) – Cultural Heritage.
  • Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago (1994, 2000, expanded in 2023) – Natural Heritage.
  • Hoi An Ancient Town (1999) – Cultural Heritage.
  • My Son Sanctuary (1999) – Cultural Heritage.
  • Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park (2003) – Natural Heritage.
  • Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi (2010) – Cultural Heritage.
  • Citadel of the Ho Dynasty (2011) – Cultural Heritage.
  • Trang An Landscape Complex (2014) – Mixed Heritage (Cultural and Natural).
  • Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem, Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex of Monuments and Landscapes (2026) – Cultural Heritage.

Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

  • Nhã nhạc, Vietnamese Court Music (2003)
  • Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands (2005)
  • Quan họ Bắc Ninh Folk Songs (2009)
  • Ca trù Singing (2009)
  • Gióng Festival of Phù Đổng and Sóc Temples (2010)
  • Worship of Hùng Kings in Phú Thọ (2012)
  • Art of Đờn ca tài tử Music and Song in Southern Vietnam (2013)
  • Ví and Giặm Folk Songs of Nghệ Tĩnh (2014)
  • Practices Related to the Viet Beliefs in the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms (2016)
  • Art of Bài Chòi in Central Vietnam (2017)
  • Practices of Then by Tày, Nùng and Thái Ethnic Groups (2019)
  • Art of Xòe Thái Dance (2021)
  • Art of Pottery-making of Chăm People (2022)
  • Vía Bà Chúa Xứ Festival of Sam Mountain (2024)
  • Đông Hồ Folk Painting Craft (2025)

Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi (2010) – Cultural Heritage.

Trang An Landscape Complex (2014) – Mixed Heritage (Cultural and Natural)

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