Vietnam – active member of UNESCO convention on cultural, natural heritage protection
Vietnam has made significant efforts to implement UNESCO Convention for the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage since its ratification of the treaty on October 19, 1987.
In the Imperial City of Hue in Thua Thien - Hue province (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam has made significant efforts to implement UNESCO Convention for the protection of the world cultural andnatural heritage since its ratification of the treaty on October 19, 1987.
The Convention, adopted by the organisation at its 17th session inParis on November 16, 1972, is the only combining cultural and natural heritageprotection. As many as 194 states have become members of this convention.
Since Vietnam ratified the deal, it has had eight cultural,natural, and mixed heritages inscribed in the world heritage list. In addition,according to UNESCO's Memory of the World programme, Vietnam has seven documentaryheritages at the Asia-Pacific and world level. The nation also houses ninebiosphere reserves of the world.
At the Kon Ha Nung Plateau in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai (Photo: VNA)
The protection and promotion of the sites have greatlycontributed to Vietnam’s local socio-economic development, particularly intourism, serving the people’s practical and sustainable benefits.
According to UNESCO's assessment, Vietnam is an activemember of the pact, which has cooperated with UNESCO to implement many projectsto support localities in protecting and promoting diverse and rich culturalpractices.
For the 2013-2017 period, Vietnam was elected as a member ofthe World Heritage Committee, which consists of representatives from 21 of theStates Parties to the 1972 Convention.
Vietnam also joined UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for theSafeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. In July, the country waselected to the UNESCO Inter-governmental Committee for the Safeguarding ofIntangible Cultural Heritage for 2022-2026 with the highest number of votes.
Vietnam will mark the 50th anniversary of the 1972 Conventionthis year with a September 6 ceremony in the northern province of Ninh Binh, hometo the Trang An Landscape Complex – a mixed cultural and natural heritage siteof the world that earned the recognition in 2014.
At the Trang An Landscape Complex (Photo: VNA)
UNESCO has chosen the theme “World Heritage for Resilience andSustainable Development” for the anniversary amid countries’ efforts to achievethe Sustainable Development Goals and enhancement of their responsiveness toglobal challenges, especially climate change and epidemics./.
Da Lat city in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong has been given the green light to build a dossier and plan serving the application to be part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Creative Cities Network in the field of music.
A group of experts from the UNESCO had a meeting with leaders of the northern province of Cao Bang on the re-verification of the title of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark.
The northern mountainous province of Yen Bai has completed its preparation to host a ceremony to receive the UNESCO's certificate recognising the art of Xoe dance of the Thai ethnic people as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on September 24, according to Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee Vu Thi Hien Hanh.
As Hanoi has joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, it has a need for plenty of space for art and creativity. The idea of transforming industrial heritage like old factories and construction sites into creative hubs was proposed over the past few years. The network, “For a liveable Hanoi”, held a music concert to continue sending its message.
The 50th anniversary of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage will be marked with a ceremony in northern Ninh Binh province on September 6.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
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.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
In the Imperial City of Hue in Thua Thien - Hue province (Photo: VNA) 
At the Kon Ha Nung Plateau in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai (Photo: VNA) 
At the Trang An Landscape Complex (Photo: VNA) 
