Hue is ready for the 5th Organization of World Heritage Cities Regional Conference

Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center visited Hue Imperial Citadel at the end of May 2025 (Photo: Monuments Conservation Center)

The event gathers around 100 delegates from various countries, including 70 international and 30 Vietnamese delegates. It is an opportunity for heritage cities in the region to meet, exchange, and share experiences in heritage conservation associated with sustainable development.

According to the plan, the opening ceremony will take place on the afternoon of October 14 at Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel, with the participation of representatives from the OWHC member cities, experts, leaders of international organizations, and Vietnamese heritage management agencies. Within the framework of the conference, delegates will listen to reports on the activities of the Regional Secretariat, and discuss challenges in heritage conservation and policies to improve the quality of life in heritage cities.

Throughout the conference, there will also be an exhibition space featuring creative works from the “OWHC-AP World Heritage Cities content contest”, showcasing photos, videos, and products created by artificial intelligence (AI) - contributing to demonstrating new approaches in heritage communication in the digital age.

The delegates will also have the opportunity to visit the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda - two of the typical cultural symbols of Hue heritage. The closing ceremony, due to take place on the morning of October 16, will summarize the working results, share distinctive studies, and announce the host city for the OWHC-AP conference in 2027.

The selection of Hue as the destination for this conference not only affirms its position as one of the leading heritage cities in the region, but also serves as an opportunity to promote the image, culture, and people of Hue to international friends, spreading the message of a sustainable, dynamic, and creative heritage city.