The World Heritage Committee applauded Vietnam for fully implementing its commitments since the site was inscribed in 2010 and meeting the recommendations of international advisory experts.

By promoting the heritage as a social, cultural, and historical space, the country has turned the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long into a gathering and experiential space for the public. The Committee also recognized the heritage vision established by Vietnam, considering it an essential basis for the proposed reconstruction of Kinh Thien Palace in accordance with the approved framework.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van, Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, stated that Committee members highly appreciated Vietnam's responsibility and seriousness in collaborating with the World Heritage Centre and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), ensuring compliance with the World Heritage Convention and further enhancing the site's Outstanding Universal Value.

This outcome reflects close coordination among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, scientists, and Hanoi City.

Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the World Heritage Centre, affirmed the document's importance both nationally and globally, hailing it as a model of cooperation between a State Party, UNESCO, and advisory bodies that opens new avenues in world heritage conservation.

As a sacred symbol and continuous center of political power for 13 centuries, the approval of this conservation plan paves the way for the further restoration of the central axis of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, helping recreate national history and fulfilling the aspirations of generations.

On the sidelines of the session, Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van chaired working meetings with UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Nayef H. Al-Fayez, World Heritage Centre Director Lazare Assomo, ICOMOS President Teresa Patricio, ICOMOS Director General Céline Noguès-Weber, and Tim Badman, Director of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), to advance multilateral cooperation and Vietnam's heritage nominations.

Leaders of these international organizations hailed Vietnam's effective contributions to key governing mechanisms and its professionalism in executing the World Heritage Convention. They expressed readiness to assist the nation in carrying out major policies linked to cultural development and welcomed Vietnam's hosting of the Asia-Pacific Dialogue on Heritage and Authenticity in Hanoi in September 2026.

During the working sessions, Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Thu Ha expressed thanks for the support of UNESCO and ICOMOS, looking forward to continued close cooperation.

Leaders from Hai Phong City and Quang Ninh Province also shared conservation efforts for two inter-provincial heritage sites-the Complex of Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac Monuments and Landscapes, and Ha Long Bay- Cat Ba Archipelago-reaffirming their commitment to strictly implementing World Heritage Committee recommendations to balance preservation with development.

The 48th session of the World Heritage Committee will continue through July 29 to examine 33 new inscription dossiers and nearly 180 ones on heritage conservation and promotion.

Top Vietnamese leader, RoK President visit Thang Long Imperial Citadel

VOV.VN - Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and his spouse, together with President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Jae Myung and his spouse, attended a special friendship programme at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel on the morning of April 24, as part of the state visit to Vietnam.

Spring incense offering ceremony held at Thang Long Imperial Citadel

A spring incense offering ceremony for the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 was held on February 25 at Kinh Thien Palace within the World Heritage Site of Thang Long Imperial Citadel.