Vietnam attends the 18th meeting of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays Association: Proposes hosting the 30th anniversary celebration

From September 21 to 26, 2025, the 18th meeting of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays Association took place in Tadoussac (Quebec province) and Campbellton (New Brunswick province), Canada.

Scene of the meeting
  

The 18th Meeting of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Association was attended by the Association’s Leadership Board, representatives of press agencies, delegations from countries with beautiful bays, and over 170 delegates representing 37 member bays, including Ha Long Bay, Nha Trang Bay, and Lang Co Bay from Vietnam. The delegation from the Ha Long Bay Management Department was led by Mr. Pham Dinh Huynh, Deputy Director and Deputy Secretary General of the Association.

The opening ceremony took place at 9 a.m. on September 22 at the Marie Clarisse Hotel in Tadoussac city, with the presence of the Governors of Quebec and New Brunswick provinces, as well as the leaders of Tadoussac and Campbellton cities.

At the meeting, the Ha Long Bay delegation contributed opinions on the 2025 activity summary report, the 2026 plan, and other thematic reports of the Association. They also participated in discussions on internal regulations amendments, reviewed applications, and awarded certificates to two new members (Tareste Bay – Estonia; Saint Irénée Bay – Canada). The meeting agreed to hold the 2026 Leadership Board meeting and the 19th General Assembly in Senegal and accepted Vietnam’s proposal to host the 20th Meeting to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Association’s founding (1997–2027).

The Ha Long Bay delegation also took part in electing the Association’s Leadership Board for the 2026–2028 term, consisting of 12 members including the President, Vice Presidents responsible for continents, Secretary General, Treasurer, Deputy Secretary General, Executive Director, and Expert Advisor. Mr. Pham Dinh Huynh was elected Executive Director of the Association.

Within the meeting framework, the Ha Long Bay Management Department had sessions with leaders of Quebec and New Brunswick provinces and the two host cities to exchange experiences on management, conservation, and promotion of the world’s beautiful bays. They also took part in various activities arranged by the Organizing Committee.

The Most Beautiful Bays in the World Association was established in 1997 and currently includes 42 members from 25 countries. Member bays must meet criteria such as having diverse ecosystems, attractive natural landscapes, recognition at provincial, national, or international levels; being cultural and social symbols of local communities; contributing positively to socio-economic development; or meeting at least two of UNESCO’s four criteria for cultural and natural heritage.

The 18th Meeting of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World concluded successfully at 7:30 p.m. local time on September 26, 2025, opening new opportunities for cooperation in the conservation and development of member bays.

Translated by Thuy Ha