A Vietnamese diplomat believes the country’s success as a UNESCO Executive Board member during 2010–2013 testifies to its multilateral outlook and comprehensive international integration. Ambassador Duong Van Quang, head of the Vietnamese mission to UNESCO, granted the media an interview on the sidelines of UNESCO’s 37th General Assembly in the French capital Paris. Quang said Vietnam has honoured the Executive Board’s status as one of UNESCO’s three most powerful bodies with proactive contributions during the past four years. The recent 37th General Assembly of UNESCO issued a resolution recognising Vietnam’s great poet Nguyen Du and other international figures as cultural activists. “It is a great honour of Vietnam to have another national recognised by UNESCO as a cultural activist. Together with UNESCO, Vietnam will carry out numerous activities in 2014-15 to celebrate Nguyen Du’s 250th birth anniversary,” said Quang. UNESCO has so far recognised three Vietnamese as world cultural activists, namely Ho Chi Minh, Nguyen Trai, and Nguyen Du. The General Assembly of the States Parties to the World Heritage Convention also elected Vietnam to its 21-member board in Paris on November 19. Vietnam is aware of the gravity of the position’s responsibilities. Quang explained, adding every year committee members have to evaluate submissions of sites or relics to be recognised as natural or cultural heritage of the world. “During the [heritage] appraisal process, we must offer relevant opinions informed by a high level of technical expertise and foreign language proficiency.” Vietnam’s seven UNESCO-listed sites of cultural and natural heritage oblige the country to officially report on heritage exploitation and preservation every year. “As a member of the World Heritage Committee, the exploitation and preservation of our recognised heritage must be exemplary,” said Quang. The diplomat believes Vietnam has earned international trust through its effective contributions to UNESCO initiatives. It has also demonstrated diplomatic flexibility regarding sensitive issues such as human rights, the debated Syria resolution, and Palestine’s UNESCO membership submission. The flexibility reflects Party foreign policy, protects Vietnamese interests, and aligns the country with UNESCO’s progressive members. It shows Vietnam’s efforts to address all complex global issues and strengthen UNESCO. Quang recalled the budgetary and structural crisis the organisation faced two years ago when the US rescinded financial support after Palestine was welcomed as an official UNESCO member. Responding to UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova’s appeal, Vietnam and other member states made immediate financial contributions to secure it some much needed funding stability. In fact, Vietnam paid its 2013–2014 annuities well ahead of schedule, supporting UNESCO activities and General Director Bokova’s reform programme. Prior to the 37th General Assembly, Vietnam also organised an Asia-Pacific regional consultation conference for UNESCO member states and UNESCO National Commissions, and hosted meetings marking the 40th anniversary of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage Convention and the 10th anniversary of the World Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention. Vietnam’s educational and sustainable development achievements win regular praise. Quang stressed Vietnam’s key role in boosting UNESCO-ASEAN relations during the previous term. Vietnam lobbied the ASEAN Secretariat to encourage its member states’ acceptance of a draft framework agreement on ASEAN-UNESCO cooperation. The draft was submitted to the UNESCO Executive Board at the recent 37th UNESCO General Assembly. The draft is expected to be signed in December 2013. Quang said Vietnam’s involvement in all important UNESCO bodies has elevated the country’s profile on the world stage. He believes such success will inspire Vietnam’s diplomatic confidence and allow it to effectively expand its voice and presence at UNESCO’s multilateral forums in the near future. VOV