Paris (VNA) – An event was held in Paris, France, on June 16 to promote the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of the ඣYen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son – Kiep Bac complex.

The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July. Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu emphasised that the nomination dossier is the result of 13 years of rigorous research, conservation, and close collaboration among heritage experts, scholars, and local authorities from Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, and Hai Duong provinces. He noted that the complex is not only a historical testament but also embodies profound spiritual values, connecting humanity with nature – a fundamental element of Vietnamese identity. Vu, who is also Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, also underlined that Vietnam has earnestly taken into account feedback and recommendations from the UNESCO's World Heritage Centre and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), particularly in clarifying the site’s outstanding universal value and its management and conservation efforts. Nguyen Thi Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of the Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee, described the complex as a sacred cultural landscape comprising hundreds of temples, pagodas, stupas, and ancient artefacts, all integrated into a unified spiritual and spatial continuum across the three provinces. She reaffirmed the commitment of local authorities to preserving and promoting the site's heritage values. The complex consists of four clusters of special national historical relics: the Yen Tu historical relic and landscape area (Uong Bi city, Quang Ninh), the Tran Dynasty historical relic area (Dong Trieu township, Quang Ninh), the Western Yen Tu relic and landscape area (Bac Giang), and the Con Son – Kiep Bac complex (Hai Duong). Numerous relics and landscapes within the complex have been recognised as provincial or national heritage sites, boasting a harmonious blend of natural scenery and architectural works of exceptional value. In addition to its architectural and scenic significance, the site holds great historical importance as the birthplace of Truc Lam – the Vietnamese Zen Buddhism founded by King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong (1258–1308). It is also closely associated with the formation and development of the Tran Dynasty (1225–1400). The influence of Truc Lam Zen has transcended national boundaries, spreading across the region and around the world. Today, Truc Lam Zen counts more than 30 million followers, 50,000 monks and nuns, and 15,000 pagodas in over 30 countries, including the Republic of Korea, India, the US, the UK, and Japan. Notably, France is home to a Truc Lam pagoda, while the US hosts the Tran Nhan Tong Reconciliation Award./.