Hanoi, September 29, 2026 — The Europe Today: Hanoi has launched a project to restore the Celestial Palace at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, following approval from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the restoration work.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Dialogue on Heritage and Authenticity, which brought together UNESCO officials, cultural heritage experts and authorities from across the region.
Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung said at the dialogue that culture and heritage should be considered alongside economic, political and social development. He emphasized that heritage preservation contributes to building trust, promoting peace and strengthening international cooperation.
The minister highlighted Vietnam’s approach of combining heritage conservation with sustainable development, while respecting the authenticity of historic sites and ensuring the involvement of local communities.
The dialogue also discussed proposals for strengthening regional cooperation in heritage preservation, including the establishment of an Asia-Pacific Heritage Cooperation Network and training programmes for young heritage professionals.
According to the report, UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee approved Vietnam’s proposal to restore the Celestial Palace within the Thang Long Citadel grounds during its 48th session in Busan, South Korea, last year.
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. The restoration project is part of broader efforts to preserve Hanoi’s historic heritage while integrating conservation with the city’s long-term cultural and urban development plans.
