UNESCO Introduces Vietnamese Tea Culture, Beginning the Journey to Becoming a World Heritage

Within the framework of the first World Culture Festival in Hanoi, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) introduced Vietnamese tea culture as a "living heritage" and a symbol of harmony between humans and nature. The event marked the beginning of the process of preparing a dossier to nominate Vietnamese tea for the list of representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity. More specifically, the tea products introduced at the program are all products from ethnic minority regions.

Vietnamese Tea Culture Experience Space at Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, No. 9 Hoang Dieu, Quan Thanh Ward, Hanoi

The series of activities, organized by the UNESCO Office in Vietnam in collaboration with the Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, recreated the quintessence of Vietnamese tea art, a long-standing cultural practice imbued with meditation and connection. A simple yet sophisticated tea-drinking space was set up, reminding of the tea-drinking tradition that has been associated with Vietnamese life for hundreds of years.

Mr. Ito Naoki - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam and Ms. Khamphao Ernthavanh - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Laos to Vietnam, expressed their joy at enjoying Vietnamese Tea.

During the 3-day festival, from October 10 to 12, 2025, UNESCO organized 3 special tea sessions for international guests, including representatives of Vietnamese agencies, ambassadors, United Nations leaders and famous tea artisans. Each tea session is not only an experience of enjoying the taste, but also a cultural story, where ritual and dialogue blend, helping participants deeply feel the Vietnamese tea culture. This is also a space to discuss the role of tea in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Jonathan Baker - Chief Representative of UNESCO in Vietnam, emphasized: “Heritage is not only something to preserve but also a material to build the future. Through tea, we tell stories about identity, about people, about connection. UNESCO is very pleased to accompany Vietnam on the journey of turning heritage into a driving force for creativity, dialogue and sustainable development”.

Talking to reporters, Mr. Dinh Hong Cuong (in yellow shirt), researcher of traditional costumes and Vietnamese tea culture, who directly performed at the event, shared: I am extremely proud and honored to be invited by UNESCO to introduce the art of tea drinking of the Vietnamese people. Performing at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a sacred and ancient place, we are deeply aware that we are carrying out the mission of tea culture ambassadors.

Commenting on the journey to make Vietnamese tea a world heritage, Mr. Cuong said: "I have every reason to expect. Vietnam owns ancient tea plantations hundreds of years old with rare biological values, and at the same time is closely associated with the cultural identity and traditional handicraft techniques of ethnic communities. These are the core values ​​to build a dossier to submit to UNESCO."

He also emphasized that for this journey to be successful, there needs to be close coordination between state agencies, experts and especially local people, because they are the subjects of the heritage.

According to Ms. Hoang Lan Anh - Brand Ambassador of Dragon Tea Suoi Giang, the difference of Vietnamese tea lies in its health-preserving value and folk medicine knowledge, instead of focusing on elaborate rituals like Japanese tea, or aesthetics like Chinese tea. She shared that since the time of Tue Tinh and Hai Thuong Lan Ong, tea has been considered a precious medicine.

At the event, two representative teas were introduced: 24-hour cold-brewed Peony White Tea: Rich in EGCG and L-theanine, helps reduce stress and activate cell regeneration. Hundred-year-old 1-bud 1-leaf Black Tea: Symbolizes strong energy, helps increase blood circulation and supports the cardiovascular system.

The activity to honor Vietnamese tea is part of the project "Enhancing local community benefits through strengthening partnerships to promote heritage conservation and sustainable practices" for the period 2025 - 2029, implemented by UNESCO and IMEXCO.

The project aims to shift from “passive conservation” to “active conservation linked to livelihoods”, aiming to help communities, especially small businesses, women and workers, benefit from promoting heritage values.

Delegates presented gifts and took souvenir photos at the Vietnamese Tea Cultural Experience Space

Introducing Vietnamese tea culture at a major international event not only sends a message about a rich heritage, but also affirms the vision of Vietnam and UNESCO: Culture is the foundation of sustainable development and a bridge to bring peoples closer together through understanding and respect.

Source: https://baodantoc.vn/unesco-gioi-thieu-van-hoa-tra-viet-nam-khoi-dau-hanh-trinh-tro-thanh-di-san-the-gioi-1760266798360.htm