The Central Highland province of Lam Dong has been selected to host the first Festival of Vietnam-ASEAN UNESCO Heritage later this year.The decision was made at a meeting in Hanoi on April 5 with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, localities that house UNESCO-recognised heritage, and concerned agencies.Chairing the meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Thanh Son expressed his hope that the festival will promote cooperation among ASEAN countries, extend its international integration, and honour the values implicit in UNESCO’s recognition of Vietnam’s and ASEAN member nations’ heritage.The festival, run on a regional ASEAN scale, will last 5–7 days and member nations with alternate hosting duties. Select ASEAN partners may be invited to participate in the future.The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) was assigned to work closely with Lam Dong province to organise this event.With a rich history and a vibrant cultural diversity, Vietnam boasts 14 of the region’s official UNESCO World Heritage Examples (including 7 tangible and 7 intangible).UNESCO’s recognition has positively contributed to Vietnam’s socio-economic development and proven especially important to all 14 beneficiary localities.