UNESCO Pledges Emergency Support for Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage and Education After Severe Storm Damage

UNESCO has announced an emergency assistance package worth about 740 000 US dollars to help Vietnam protect its cultural heritage and sustain education in communities affected by devastating storms last year. The support was unveiled as part of targeted efforts to ilise heritage sites and restore learning continuity for children and youth after widespread destruction caused by Typhoons Wipha, Bualoi and Matmo in November 2025. 

According to UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, the funds will be used to carry out urgent protection work at world heritage sites including the historic complexes in Huế and Hội An, and to assess technical needs with local partners. The initiative also focuses on safeguarding both tangible and intangible heritage and preserving traditional practices affected by the storms. 

In the education sector, UNESCO plans to help restore safe learning environments in the northern provinces of Cao Bằng and Lạng Sơn by replacing essential equipment, providing psychosocial support for students and teachers, and rehabilitating counselling spaces. Special attention will be given to vulnerable and ethnic minority communities to ensure inclusive educational opportunities. 

UNESCO’s package furthermore includes support for disaster risk reduction and mitigation activities, backed by funding from Japan, which will help enhance early warning systems and improve school safety in areas prone to natural hazards. The organisation said it will continue to work with member states and partners to mobilise additional resources to strengthen long-term recovery and resilience across both cultural heritage preservation and education sectors.