HÀ NỘI — UNESCO attaches special importance to cooperation with Hà Nội, especially in preserving and upholding the values of cultural heritages, said chief representative of the UNESCO Office in Việt Nam, Michael Croft. 

During a working session in Hà Nội on July 26 with Vice Chairman of the Hà Nội People’s Committee Ngô Văn Quý, Croft said UNESCO had devised a two-year working strategy in Việt Nam and affirmed the organisation would offer consultancy, rally financial resources and work towards public-private partnerships in preserving and upholding the values of cultural heritages in the capital city. 

Phạm Thị Thanh Hương, head of the office’s Cultural Department, said Hà Nội is home to numerous heritages with values highly appreciated by UNESCO experts. 

According to her, Hà Nội has incorporated heritage preservation into sustainable tourism development, notably in Thăng Long Imperial Citadel and Đường Lâm ancient village. 

UNESCO was ready to work with Hà Nội to hold scientific seminars and improve community-based tourism quality, she said. 

She hailed Hà Nội’s initiatives such as launching a pedestrian street around Hoàn Kiếm lake and Hanoi Creative City and proposed that the city join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), towards becoming a global destination for intellectuals and innovation. 

Vice Chairman Quý, for his part, said Hà Nội hoped that UNESCO would continue with its studies, surveys and consultation in the process of preserving and upholding values of cultural heritages, including Đường Lâm ancient village. 

On the proposal to join the UCCN, he asked the office to provide the city with more information for consideration. — VNS