An international scientific conference titled "Protecting and Promoting the Values of World Heritage: A Community-Based Approach for Sustainable Development" took place at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO 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 was part of a series of activities under the 2021-2025 Action Plan of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO. It also supports the Vietnam–UNESCO Cooperation Memorandum (2021-2025), the Cultural Diplomacy Strategy to 2030, and conclusions of the National Cultural Conference that emphasize the role of culture in local socio-economic development.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO Hoang Dao Cuong said that heritage is a memory of the past that needs preservation, and a strategic resource for the future.

"This is a valuable asset that helps communities define their cultural identity, strengthen social cohesion, and fuel creative development," he said.

Heritages, both cultural and natural, are under increasing threat from climate change, uncontrolled urbanization, the negative impacts of globalization, mass tourism, and, in some cases, human indifference, Cuong said.

"In this context, protecting and promoting heritage becomes more urgent than ever, not only to preserve the values of the past, but also to build a sustainable foundation for the future."

Cuong noted that this vision was affirmed in UNESCO's 1972 World Heritage Convention, the first and only international agreement that links natural conservation with cultural heritage. It introduced a new approach that balances the relationship between people and nature.

Vietnam is currently home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago, Trang An Landscape Complex, Ho Dynasty Citadel, Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, the Complex of Hue Monuments, Hoi An Ancient Town, and My Son Sanctuary.

Each site, according to Cuong, represents a treasure shaped over thousands of years of cultural evolution and human–nature interaction.

"These are not only national prides, but also strategic assets. If effectively preserved and managed, they can contribute to green growth, sustainable job creation, environmental protection, and the preservation of cultural identity – key components of sustainable development," he said.

Cuong emphasized that heritage conservation in the digital age must be tied to innovation, including the use of digital technology, social media, and public-private partnerships (PPP) to bring heritage values closer to the public, especially younger generations.

Most importantly, communities should play a central role in managing and preserving heritage, not only as beneficiaries, but also as active creators, he said.

He cited the Trang An Landscape Complex, Vietnam's only mixed natural and cultural heritage site, as an example.

"When local people, particularly youth and women, are empowered and actively involved, heritage can become a sustainable foundation for livelihoods, environmental protection, and community cohesion," he said.

"With this in mind, today's conference offers timely and practical direction, contributing to the outcomes of global forums like the Future Summit and the recent P4G Summit, where Vietnam demonstrated its responsible and active role in promoting multilateral cooperation for a greener, more sustainable future," Cuong added.

He then presented six major issues for discussion at the conference, including improving the legal framework for community participation in heritage management, building community capacity, integrating local knowledge into development planning, promoting digital innovation, and expanding international cooperation.

In her remarks, Deputy Chairwoman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Thu Ha said the capital is known as a "heritage city" with nearly 6,500 historical and cultural relics.

Several of these, including the Central Sector of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Saint Giong Festival, Ca Tru singing, and the Doctoral Steles at the Temple of Literature are recognized by UNESCO.

These cultural assets are a great advantage and resource for Hanoi to develop its economy, especially in the fields of culture and cultural tourism, she said.

Hanoi views investment in culture as investment in sustainable development, Ha added.

"Protecting and promoting heritage is seen as the shared responsibility of the entire political system, all sectors and levels, the whole society, and every citizen," the deputy chairwoman said.

Still, heritage management in general, especially at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, faces challenges in research, conservation, and especially in preserving archaeological sites located deep underground, Ha acknowledged.

This calls for further research and input from managers, experts, and scientists to propose solutions from various perspectives, she said.

Ha also highlighted that Hanoi, as a member of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network, is developing the Thang Long Citadel site as a cultural creative space that encourages contemporary artistic innovation while connecting heritage with communities and young people.

"At today's conference, Hanoi hopes to receive valuable contributions and shared experiences that will help us sustainably manage heritage sites through a community-based approach," she said.

"We especially hope for strong support and collaboration in our efforts to preserve and promote the values of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel World Heritage Site and to leverage cultural resources in building a Capital that is 'Civilized – Cultured – Modern'."

During the conference, participants shared their experiences in heritage management and the use of world heritage for local socio-economic development and community well-being.

Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center, also addressed some of the questions raised by delegates, offered expert guidance on community-based heritage conservation, and shared international best practices.

The conference concluded with a number of proposals for improving heritage management in the future.

These included enhancing the legal framework, raising public awareness, promoting community engagement as rightful heritage owners, strengthening environmental protection, using resources sustainably, developing sustainable tourism, expanding international cooperation, training heritage professionals, and applying digital technology and innovation in preservation efforts.