On the afternoon of November 23, at the National Assembly House, under the direction of Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Thanh, the Law on Cultural Heritage (amended) was officially passed with high consensus from the delegates. This event marks an important turning point in improving the management and conservation mechanism of Vietnam's cultural heritage.
Before voting, Chairman of the Committee on Culture and Education Nguyen Dac Vinh presented a report on receiving, explaining and revising the draft Law. The report emphasized the importance of adjusting regulations related to the protection and promotion of cultural heritage values in the context of modernization. After that, the National Assembly voted to pass the draft with the result of 413/422 delegates present in favor, accounting for 86.22% of the total number of delegates. This is a great consensus, demonstrating the determination to be united in the sustainable development of national culture. 
The Law on Cultural Heritage (amended) was passed with a structure of 9 chapters and 95 articles, detailing the management, protection and promotion of cultural heritage values of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The subjects of application of the Law include domestic agencies, organizations, communities, foreigners and overseas Vietnamese related to heritage conservation work.
With specific principles, the Law affirms that all cultural heritages in Vietnam, regardless of their origin from within or outside the country, are managed and protected according to the law. In particular, the top priority is to protect heritages at risk of being lost, important historical and cultural relics, and heritages of ethnic minority communities in mountainous, border and island areas. These heritages are not only national assets but also invaluable cultural values, representing national identity in the international arena.
One of the highlights of the Law is the policy of mobilizing social resources to protect cultural heritage. The State plays a leading role, but not simply relies on the budget, but also encourages the participation of domestic and foreign organizations and individuals. Priority activities such as protecting UNESCO-listed heritage, promoting the value of the languages and scripts of ethnic minorities, or preserving national monuments that are particularly seriously degraded are all emphasized in this policy.
The National Assembly voted to pass the Law on Cultural Heritage (amended). Photo: Quochoi.vn
November 23 of each year, according to the new regulations, will become Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day. This is an occasion to honor the value of heritage and at the same time remind people of their responsibility in preserving and promoting national identity. In addition, the establishment of the Cultural Heritage Conservation Fund is considered an important initiative, creating additional financial resources from aid, sponsorship and other legal sources to support cultural heritage conservation and restoration activities.
The law also sets out strict regulations on acts of heritage infringement. From appropriation and distortion of original elements constituting relics to disseminating incorrect information about intangible cultural heritage, all are strictly prohibited. In addition, business activities and exchanges of relics, antiques and national treasures of illegal origin are also strictly handled to protect the authenticity and value of these heritages.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will be the focal point responsible for state management of cultural heritage. Close coordination between ministries, sectors and localities is required to ensure that the provisions of the Law are effectively put into practice. These efforts aim to ensure that each cultural heritage is preserved and its value is practically promoted in modern life. The Law on Cultural Heritage (amended) will take effect from July 1, 2025, opening a new chapter in the journey of protecting and developing Vietnam's culture. This is not only a major step forward in terms of law, but also a strong affirmation of the country's commitment to preserving the precious values left by our ancestors.
Hoang Anh- SEAP
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