With the mission of protecting national heritage sites and promoting cultural values in the country, the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO celebrated its 35thanniversary yesterday. Government leaders and experts attended the event, calling for the committee to continue its mission.

At present, Vietnam has seven world cultural and natural heritage, six world intangible cultural heritage, eight world bioshpere reserve, three global documentary heritage and one global geo-park. Such UNESCO-recognized sites have helped raise awareness among local residents and authorities of the significance of saving and protecting the nation’s both natural and man-made heritage.

Pham Cao Phong, General Secretary of Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, was the guest speaker at the ceremony. He stated that the committee is planning to expand the “implementation of sustainable programmes to preserve in order to preserve the country’s people and its culture. Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Thanh Son echoed the same sentiment, saying that the mission of UNESCO, its people, and the entire country as a whole, are one and the same.

Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan was also present at the ceremony, and presented the committee with the Third Class Independence Order. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan met up with UNESCO Assistant Director-General for External Relations and Public Information Eric Falt.

Falt personally expressed his gratitude to the UN organization for its role in the implementation of UNESCO-funded programmes in Vietnam, especially in the fields of education development; culture and education; and national policies for protecting heritage and nature. Moreover, he praised the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO for continually maintaining the nation’s unique cultural, educational and scientific values.