The event was co-organised by Quang Ninh province, Hai Phong City, Bac Ninh Province, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha of Quang Ninh.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh; leaders of central ministries, agencies and organisations; senior officials from Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh and Hai Phong; representatives of international organisations, diplomatic delegations and embassies in Viet Nam; the UNESCO Office in Ha Noi; researchers, experts and scholars, along with a large number of local residents and visitors.
In his address, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh praised and commended Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, ministries, central agencies, organising units and individuals for their close coordination and joint efforts in overcoming challenges to research, prepare and finalise the nomination dossier, successfully lobbying and defending it, leading to the inscription of the Yen Tu–Vinh Nghiem–Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
The Prime Minister highly valued the efforts of Quang Ninh Province as the lead locality, playing a pivotal and persistent role throughout the process of compiling and successfully defending the nomination.
He requested the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, together with Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh and Hai Phong, to continue advising the Government on improving and supplementing national laws, regulations and frameworks, as well as local-level mechanisms, to best preserve and promote the heritage’s value.
He emphasised the need to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the heritage management body, involving ministries, central agencies and local authorities. Beyond connecting heritage sites, efforts must focus on enhancing their value through high-quality tourism products, generating widespread resonance and motivating communities to participate in preservation, promotion and sustainable use of the heritage.
The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of intensifying communication and promotion, turning every citizen into a cultural ambassador to spread the unique values of the Yen Tu–Vinh Nghiem–Con Son, Kiep Bac World Cultural Heritage to international friends, particularly on digital platforms, contributing to the development of a Vietnamese culture rich in national identity.
The World Cultural Heritage Complex of Yen Tu–Vinh Nghiem–Con Son, Kiep Bac comprises 12 outstanding sites and clusters across Quang Ninh, Hai Phong and Bac Ninh, covering a core area of 525.75 hectares and a buffer zone of 4,380.19 hectares.
The ceremony marked the culmination of tireless efforts and determination in preparing the nomination dossier, while also serving as an occasion to promote and disseminate the image of the Yen Tu–Vinh Nghiem–Con Son, Kiep Bac World Cultural Heritage to audiences at home and abroad.
Speaking at the event Pham Duc An, Chairman of Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee, reaffirmed their commitment to managing the heritage in line with national law and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. He stressed the importance of preserving the site’s integrity while promoting innovation and sustainable development. With deep pride and a strong sense of responsibility, Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, and Hai Phong expressed their collective confidence that the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex will continue to flourish - not only as a spiritual and cultural icon of Viet Nam, but also as a global destination that promotes peace, human values, and intellectual heritage.
Following the announcement was a special art programme entitled “Sounds of Yen Tu – An Eternal Heritage”, re-enacting the journey of King Tran Nhan Tong, with the participation of hundreds of artists and folk performers.
