(VOVworld) – Members of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee (WHC) are examining 32 dossiers to add more cultural and natural prominent heritage sites to the world heritage list. The WHC 37^th session opened Sunday in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Cambodia, and will run to next Thursday. Participants will also evaluate the preservation and exploration of recognized heritage sites and consider requirements for international assistance for these projects. The session included Vietnam’s first bid for membership of the 21-member committee. Nguyen Quoc Hung, Vice Director of the Cultural Heritage Department of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, said:"Vietnam has not yet been nominated as member of the committee and we think that it has better chance of winning a seat as a member than others who have previously been members".

Vietnam's Hoi An ancient town was recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage. (Photo: VOV)

WHC’s sessions are opportunities for Vietnam to learn lessons and enlist the support of other countries to preserve honored heritage sites and compile dossiers for new recognitions.