Unesco Director-General Visits the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: Advancing International Cooperation for Cultural Heritage

On the afternoon of 27 June 2025, as part of her official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), visited and worked at the World Heritage Site of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi.

This visit was one of the key activities in Ms. Audrey Azoulay’s official programme, aimed at further strengthening the cooperative relationship between UNESCO and Vietnam. It also reflected the deep commitment of this international organization to cultural heritage preservation, particularly the outstanding historical and architectural values recognized by UNESCO as part of humanity’s shared legacy.

A FORMAL WELCOME AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE VISIT

The Board of Directors and all staff of the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre held a formal reception for the UNESCO Director-General and her accompanying delegation. In a solemn yet warm atmosphere, Ms. Audrey Azoulay expressed her heartfelt appreciation and deep impression at the beauty and profound cultural and historical depth of the site, as well as the dedicated conservation efforts made by the city of Hanoi in general and by the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre in particular for the World Heritage Site of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi, inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2010, is not only a symbol of the millennia-old cultural heritage of the capital but also a vivid testament to the continuous historical development of an independent nation in Southeast Asia. This visit by Ms. Audrey Azoulay reaffirms the global significance of the site and serves as an opportunity to highlight the efforts and achievements of the Hanoi authorities and people in preserving and promoting this invaluable heritage.

PRESENTING THE OUTSTANDING VALUES OF THE HERITAGE SITE

During the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Quang, Director of the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre, presented to the UNESCO Director-General the outstanding universal values of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. These include the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures, the stratified architectural layers from various historical periods, and the rich system of relics and artifacts unearthed through archaeological excavations. These values not only reflect the long-standing history of the Vietnamese nation but also stand as important evidence of the continuous development of Asian civilization.

In addition, the Centre’s Director introduced key achievements and approaches in heritage conservation, such as the application of digital technologies in site management and exhibition, capacity building for heritage professionals, and the promotion of heritage education in schools and communities. These efforts form the foundation for seeking UNESCO’s support in developing the next phase of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long’s conservation dossier, as well as in Hanoi’s nomination to join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.

UNESCO DIRECTOR-GENERAL COMMENDS VIETNAM’S EFFORTS

In her remarks during the meeting, Ms. Audrey Azoulay expressed her appreciation for Vietnam’s heritage conservation efforts and affirmed: “The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a jewel in the treasure trove of humanity’s heritage. I highly commend the tireless efforts of the Government and people of Vietnam in preserving, conserving, and promoting the value of this heritage. UNESCO is committed to continuing its support and partnership with Vietnam in this endeavor.”

Ms. Audrey Azoulay also welcomed the collaborative initiatives in the fields of education and culture, particularly Hanoi’s active participation in international programmes and its efforts to promote heritage education. She emphasized that joining the Global Network of Learning Cities would serve as a significant boost for Hanoi to strengthen its role as a regional leader.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND PROSPECTS FOR COOPERATION

The visit of the UNESCO Director-General to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long at this time holds great significance. In a context where many heritage sites around the world are facing pressures from urbanization, climate change, and limited resources, it is crucial for Vietnam to make the most of UNESCO’s support to continue developing sustainable conservation plans, strengthen heritage education, and promote traditional culture.

The leadership of the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre emphasized: “We fully understand that the responsibility of preserving heritage is not only a national duty but also a global mission. Gaining the support and companionship of UNESCO in conservation, education, and communication efforts is a key factor in making the heritage more vibrant and accessible to the public, especially the younger generation.”

The visit of Ms. Audrey Azoulay to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long once again affirms the priceless value of Vietnam’s cultural heritage. It serves as a powerful source of encouragement for authorities, communities, and society at large to continue joining hands in safeguarding and promoting the precious legacy passed down by previous generations. This visit also stands as a vivid testament to the spirit of international cooperation for a sustainable future, one that respects cultural identity and fosters the dissemination of human knowledge.

(Some images from the visit of the UNESCO Director-General and the delegation to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long Heritage Site)

The Editorial Board