Hanoi strengthens UNESCO cooperation to preserve the imperial citadel!

Hanoi strengthens UNESCO cooperation to preserve the imperial citadel!

On May 21, 2025, a significant meeting focusing on cooperation between Vietnam and UNESCO was held in Hanoi. The meeting was attended by high-level officials including Nguyen Minh Vu, permanent deputy foreign minister and chairman of the Vietnamese National Commission for UNESCO, and Vu Thu Ha, vice chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee. The meeting was opened by Tran Sy Thanh, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, who received the Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center, Lazare Eloundou Assomo.

Tran Sy Thanh expressed his gratitude to UNESCO for its support in preserving cultural heritage in Vietnam, especially in Hanoi. He asked for further assistance in restoring Kinh Thien Palace and Thang Long Imperial Citadel, which represent an essential part of Vietnam's heritage. In addition to the Imperial Citadel, Hanoi also plans to prepare a dossier to register the Co Loa relic site for UNESCO in order to recognize its cultural value at the international level.

Preservation of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, built in the 11th century under the Ly Dynasty, is the most significant and best-preserved part of this impressive historical site. It illustrates the independence of the Đại Việt and was built on the remains of a Chinese fortress from the 7th century. This citadel, which served as a center of regional political power for nearly thirteen centuries, reflects a unique Southeast Asian culture specific to the lower Red River Delta. The central sector of this citadel demonstrates not only the influence of China in the north, but also that of the Kingdom of Champa in the south.

Collaboration with UNESCO is crucial to ensure the archaeological integrity of the citadel through comprehensive studies. Lazare Eloundou Assomo reiterated support for Hanoi's conservation projects and highlighted the importance of the Imperial Citadel to humanity. The aim is to develop a set of rules for the management of the Co Loa relic site and to assess the tourist pressure on the site. During the meeting, Assomo invited Tran Sy Thanh to visit the World Heritage Center headquarters in Paris, and Tran Sy Thanh plans to arrange this at a convenient time.

Legal protection and future steps

The legal protection of the Imperial Citadel is based on the Cultural Heritage Act 2001 and the Construction Works Act, with the Heritage Act taking precedence in the event of any conflict between these laws. While this protection is adequate, it could be supplemented by the establishment of an expanded buffer zone to better preserve the site. It is managed by the Co Loa and Thang Long Vestiges Preservation Centre, which was founded in 2006. A management plan is in place but requires consistent implementation and increased archaeological studies.

In conclusion, the Vietnamese government's initiative to promote the Imperial Citadel and Co Loa Relic Site in close cooperation with UNESCO is of great value for both national and international cultural exchanges. The protection and maintenance of these sites is of great importance not only for Vietnam, but also for all of humanity.