Vietnam and UNESCO mark 50 years of evolving partnership

Vietnam and UNESCO are celebrating 50 years of bilateral relations, marking a transition in the country's role from a recipient of aid to an active partner in global cultural and heritage initiatives. Officials noted that Vietnam has increasingly taken leadership positions within UNESCO bodies, including the Executive Board and the World Heritage Committee.

A major milestone of this partnership is the “International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development” (2027–2036), an initiative proposed by Vietnam. This proposal was approved by the UNESCO General Conference and subsequently adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.

To mark this evolution, Vietnam hosted the Asia-Pacific Dialogue on Heritage and Authenticity in Hanoi and Ninh Binh. The event brought together approximately 250 experts to discuss the preservation and management of world heritage sites in diverse cultural contexts.