An international scientific conference titled "World Heritage Protection and Promotion: Community-Centered Approach for Sustainable Development" was held at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel World Heritage Site in Hanoi on May 21.

The event was co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, the UNESCO Office in Vietnam, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Hanoi People's Committee.

The conference aimed to review the current efforts to preserve and promote the values of cultural and natural World Heritage sites in Vietnam. It highlighted the contribution of these sites to local socio-economic development, with a particular focus on the role of communities.

The event also sought to raise awareness of the strategic value of cultural and natural heritage in sustainable development and expand the engagement of key stakeholders, ranging from NGOs and businesses to communities, in heritage protection efforts.

It reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to UNESCO's 1972 World Heritage Convention and its aspiration to contribute to global heritage conservation through its candidacy for the World Heritage Committee for the 2023–2027 term.

The conference served as a platform for policymakers, experts, and heritage managers to exchange experiences and scientific insights, laying the groundwork for more inclusive, community-driven approaches to sustainable heritage management.

Cultural and historical experts at the event emphasized the central role of communities in protecting and promoting heritage.

Jonathan Baker, Head of the UNESCO Office in Hanoi, said that placing communities at the heart of heritage management is essential and something Vietnam has done well for many years.

This approach is not just about consulting local residents but empowering them, he said.

It means allowing communities to participate in decision-making, organize cultural activities, and directly benefit from economic and social initiatives linked to heritage, John added.

Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center, echoed this view, stressing that communities are the knowledge bearers, tradition keepers, and rightful stewards of heritage.

In the face of climate change, rapid urbanization, and social inequality, we must adopt stronger community-centered approaches to heritage management, he said.

Lazare said that the World Heritage Convention's Operational Guidelines already recognize the importance of community participation.

To further empower local communities, he said, authorities must ensure their long-term welfare and sustainable livelihoods, particularly those living in and around heritage sites.

Capacity-building, knowledge sharing, and integrating indigenous knowledge are essential, he said, especially in strengthening the resilience of heritage to climate change.

The World Heritage Center director also advocated the use of digital tools and AI to support heritage conservation.

Lazare reaffirmed UNESCO's commitment to supporting member states in pursuing this shared vision, where culture is a foundation for sustainable development.

During the conference, participants also exchanged experiences in public administration, heritage ownership, and leveraging heritage for local socio-economic development.

They put forward several recommendations, including improving legal frameworks for heritage management, raising public awareness, enhancing community engagement, protecting the environment, ensuring sustainable resource use, and promoting sustainable tourism.

In his closing remarks, Hoang Dao Cuong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, praised the initiative to host the international conference.

He expressed hope that the experiences and perspectives shared at the event would offer valuable direction for future efforts in managing World Heritage sites in Vietnam.