Dak Lak PPC Vice Chairman, comrade Dao My recently hosted a courtesy meeting with Mr. Jonathan Wallace Baker, Head of Representative Office of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Vietnam, alongside Mr. Vinod Ahuja, Head of Representative Office of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Vietnam, during their visit to attend the World Coffee Heritage Forum held in Dak Lak from April 17-19, 2026.

Comrade Dao My extended a warm welcome, expressing appreciation to Mr. Jonathan Wallace Baker, Mr. Vinod Ahuja, together with delegations from UNESCO and FAO, for visiting as well as participating in the event. He affirmed Dak Lak consistently values UNESCO’s partnership in preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, particularly Central Highlands Gong Culture Space.

Dak Lak PPC Vice Chairman, comrade Dao My expressing hope for continued support from UNESCO and FAO in Vietnam.

The province also conveyed gratitude to UNESCO for attention, joint surveys alongside initial support provided for several heritage sites affected by natural disasters in 2025, along with FAO’s practical assistance enabling nearly 2,000 households to restore production, with total funding exceeding 6.6 billion VND.

Looking ahead, Dak Lak seeks continued support from UNESCO, especially regarding preparation of nomination dossiers for “Dak Lak coffee cultivation and processing knowledge” as cultural heritage, as well as developing documentation for an eastern regional geopark aiming toward Global Geopark status. Simultaneously, the province wishes to deepen exchanges with FAO regarding cooperation orientations, particularly in sustainable agriculture development, climate change adaptation, resilience enhancement, and livelihood support for local communities, especially within coffee sector.

Through the World Coffee Heritage Forum, Dak Lak aims to promote an integrated approach toward coffee culture, not merely as an agricultural commodity, but as a comprehensive value system encompassing indigenous knowledge, farming practices, processing techniques, consumption culture, as well as community traditions.

The PPC will direct departments along with sectors to maintain close coordination with UNESCO and FAO offices in Vietnam, ensuring effective implementation of future cooperation programmes.

Mr. Jonathan Wallace Baker together with Mr. Vinod Ahuja commended provincial leadership for efforts in balancing economic development with preservation of cultural identity and climate adaptation. Both UNESCO and FAO reaffirmed commitment to continue supporting Dak Lak in biodiversity conservation projects, sustainable eco-tourism development, disaster prevention and recovery, as well as improving livelihoods and quality of life for local residents. Particular emphasis will be placed on preparation of heritage nomination dossiers for “Dak Lak coffee cultivation alongside processing knowledge” and the eastern geopark initiative toward Global Geopark recognition.

Translated by HAI LOAN