On the evening of March 27, at 3/2 Square, Bac Ninh province solemnly held a ceremony to receive UNESCO's Certificate of recognition of Dong Ho folk painting profession in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritages in Need of Urgent Protection; announced the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac relic and scenic complex as a World Cultural Heritage, and opened the Festival "Returning to Bac Ninh Heritage Region 2026".
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Pham Hoang Son - Chairman of Bac Ninh Provincial People's Committee emphasized: Bac Ninh - Kinh Bac is a land rich in historical and cultural traditions with a rich heritage system, in which Dong Ho folk paintings are a unique symbol, crystallizing aesthetic values and folk knowledge.
Being recognized by UNESCO not only recognizes heritage values but also poses an urgent responsibility in preserving, restoring and promoting them in the face of current challenges.
Chairman of Bac Ninh Provincial People's Committee also said that the recognition of the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex as a World Cultural Heritage opens up great opportunities to promote the image of the country, people and culture of Bac Ninh internationally, while promoting sustainable tourism development.
To effectively implement heritage conservation work, Bac Ninh province has proposed many key solutions such as perfecting mechanisms and policies to support artisans and communities, promoting training and vocational transmission, strengthening digitization, heritage research, raising social awareness and developing products associated with the market.
At the same time, the province is committed to closely coordinating with relevant localities to ensure unified management and preserve the intact value of heritage.
Emphasizing the viewpoint "Heritage is a resource - Culture is strength - People are the center", Chairman of Bac Ninh Provincial People's Committee Pham Hoang Son affirmed that Bac Ninh province is determined to develop quickly and sustainably on the foundation of unique cultural values and officially announced the opening of the Festival series "Returning to Bac Ninh Heritage Region 2026".
At the ceremony, Ms. Pau-lin Ta-me-sít, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam emphasized: Kinh Bac land has long been known as one of the cultural cradles of the Vietnamese nation. Here, heritage is not only present in ancient architectural works or sacred landscapes, but also preserved and continued in customs, handicrafts and spiritual life - factors that contribute to shaping the identity of the community through many generations.
The United Nations in Vietnam and UNESCO highly appreciate the efforts of Bac Ninh province in particular and Vietnam in general in preserving and promoting the effective value of cultural heritage, considering culture as an important driving force for sustainable development.
Ms. Pau-lin Ta-me-sít also expressed her respect for artisans and heritage preservers - those who have been and are dedicated to preserving and transmitting precious cultural values to today's and future generations.
Immediately after the ritual part is a special art program with the theme "Essence of heritage - Thousands of years shining", elaborately staged, harmoniously combining tradition and modernity.
The content shows the depth of history and culture of the land, from the roots of Luy Lau Buddhism, the imprints of the Ly and Tran dynasties, to unique heritage values such as Quan Ho folk songs, Dong Ho folk paintings, traditional craft village systems and community cultural life.
