On behalf of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Ms. Simona Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd UNESCO General Conference, delivered a congratulatory speech at the 10th Anniversary of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex being recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Ninh Binh Online Newspaper respectfully introduces the full text of the speech.

Dear Mr. Tran Luu Quang, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam!

Dear leaders and former leaders of the Party and State,

Dear ladies and gentlemen,

Dear guests,

Dear Ninh Binh people!

I am very pleased to be invited to speak at today's solemn ceremony right after a productive day in Ninh Binh. First of all, I would like to congratulate the 10th Anniversary of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex being recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage - an unprecedented achievement in the Southeast Asian region!

This momentous event not only marks a decade of global recognition of the immense value of this natural and cultural treasure, but also celebrates Trang An’s remarkable achievements in both heritage conservation and sustainable development. With the happiness of its people placed first, Trang An emerges as a shining example of inspiration and innovation.

Indeed, thanks to its multi-stakeholder approach and creative collaboration, Trang An has become a model in the dynamic context of sustainable development, a model where local communities are not simply beneficiaries, but also protagonists and main characters in the story of harmonizing sustainable tourism and heritage conservation.

In Trang An, in addition to its great aesthetic appeal, Trang An is also a concrete evidence of preserving the diversity of heritage and sharing fairly the benefits gained from exploiting the landscape, thereby enhancing everyone's sense of belonging to this place, mutual respect, social solidarity, as well as the freedom of choice and action of individuals and groups here.

This achievement is the result of our collective efforts to unleash the power of heritage to enrich the lives of both the present generation and many generations to come.

In celebrating this important milestone today, I would like to pay tribute to the tireless dedication of Vietnam’s visionary leaders, passionate conservationists, diligent site managers and vibrant communities who have embraced the spirit of harmonizing heritage conservation and sustainable development.

On behalf of the UNESCO Member States, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all of you on this great success!

On this occasion, I would also like to congratulate Vietnam on its outstanding achievements in participating in UNESCO activities, especially Vietnam's activities within the framework of UNESCO, typically Vietnam being elected as a member of the World Heritage Committee, participating in the Executive Committee of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage as well as being elected as Vice Chairman of the UNESCO Committee for the Protection of Cultural Diversity.

As President of the 42nd General Conference of UNESCO, I am delighted that the Head of the Delegation of Viet Nam is one of my 31 Vice-Presidents and I would like to thank you for your valuable support during my Presidency!

Dear delegates!

In an era of rapid global change, when social upheavals and divergent interests often leave us feeling disconnected, partnerships to protect Trang An serve as a bridge, promoting dialogue and understanding between communities and people around the world.

As a testament to the widespread recognition of Trang An’s success, tomorrow, also in Ninh Binh, many prestigious experts from around the world will participate in an international scientific conference. Inspired by Vietnam’s impressive achievements, these leading experts will share profound knowledge and exchange leading experiences in promoting sustainable development through the conservation of world heritage sites – emphasizing the interconnectedness of world heritage sites and the urgent need to work together to build a better future for humanity.

Before concluding, on behalf of all 194 UNESCO Member States, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Government of Viet Nam, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the National Commission for UNESCO, Ninh Binh Province and the dedicated local communities. Your strong commitment and tireless efforts will ensure that the Trang An heritage is safeguarded and passed on to future generations, enriching lives and enhancing appreciation for our shared heritage.

As we move towards the Future of the United Nations Summit and the Post-2030 Agenda, let us together ensure that culture – as a public good – is enshrined in our collective action as a strong commitment!

I hope that the next ten years in Trang An's history will continue to be written with cooperation, conservation and a shared vision of a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Thank you very much!

(*) Title by Ninh Binh Newspaper