Preserving and promoting Vietnam's cultural heritage

On November 23, the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations (VFUA), in collaboration with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the Vietnam Business Forum Magazine co-organised “The 4th Vietnam Cultural Heritage Festival” to celebrate Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day.

The event aimed to honour the values of the nation's tangible and intangible cultural heritages, especially the cultural heritages of Vietnam recognised by UNESCO. The event saw the participation of representatives of UNESCO in Vietnam, VCCI representatives, representatives of localities, experts, businesses, and artisans.

Speaking to open the event, Tran Van Manh, vice president cum general secretary of VFUA, said that many countries worldwide, including Vietnam, have exploited the potential and cultural and natural advantages for socioeconomic development. However, overfocusing on economic goals, revenue, and profit while ignoring the conservation and preservation of cultural heritage values could lead to heritage being over-exploited or even damaged.

"In contrast, valuable heritages that are properly exploited will bring economic benefits to businesses, promoting tourism and related industries such as hotels, food services, commerce, and retail. It also creates more job opportunities and improves people's income and living standards. He emphasised that entrepreneurs and businesses benefiting from heritage need to have plans to invest in heritage preservation as part of their business development strategy," said Manh.

“I hope the event will open opportunities for agencies, organizations, businesses, and experts to exchange and discuss their ethical responsibilities and obligations for preserving cultural and natural heritage toward sustainable development."

Photo of the event

Bui Trung Nghia, vice president of VCCI, said that preserving and promoting cultural heritage values is not only the authority's responsibility but also of the people, including entrepreneurs and businesses.

"Specifically, the authority plays an important role in building the legal framework and policy mechanism. Meanwhile, the people, including entrepreneurs and businesses, play a key role in protecting, preserving, transmitting, and promoting heritage value," said Nghia.

“Through the event, I hope managers, experts, and businesses will exchange proposals to overcome the challenges and shortcomings in protecting and preserving Vietnamese cultural heritage. Proposals not only clarify the role of the business and entrepreneurs in conservating and preserving cultural heritage, the significance of cultural heritage for socioeconomic development in a sustainable way, but also contribute to promoting Vietnam’s cultural heritage to international communities."

Several outstanding cultural activities took place within the framework of the event, such as the incense-offering ceremony in commemoration of 52 kings at the imperial citadel of Thang Long, the Ao Dai performance, a discussion session, folk songs recognised by UNESCO, and more.

Performers gather on stage for the event

The event provided opportunities for local people and tourists to enjoy and experience Vietnam's unique cultural and artistic activities, contributing to promoting and raising awareness of preserving the country's heritage.

Vietnam has eight cultural and natural heritages and 14 intangible cultural heritages that UNESCO recognised as outstanding universal values.

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