Vietnam pledges to accompany UNESCO for sustainable cultural development
Vietnam considers culture a driving force of socio-economic development, placing culture on par with economy and politics, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung said on November 16 when meeting with UNESCO General Director Audrey Azoulay in Paris.
UNESCO General Director Audrey Azoulay (L) receives Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung in Paris. (Photo: VNA)
Paris (VNA) –Vietnam considers culture a driving force of socio-economic development,placing culture on par with economy and politics, Minister of Culture, Sportsand Tourism Nguyen Van Hung said on No⛄vember 16 when meeting with UNESCO GeneralDirector Audrey Azoulay in Paris.
Speaking at the meeting,the Vietnamese minister said that in its action programmes, Vietnam alwaysdesigns a progressive cultural policy framework that meets citizens' rights toenjoy and participate in cultural life. He informed the UNESCOleader that the Government of Vietnam assigned the ministry to soon completeand submit to the National Assembly for promulgation the National TargetProgramme on Vietnamese cultural development in the next 10 years with focuseson revitalising and developing culture as well as hunger eradication andpoverty reduction programmes to realise millennium goals. Hung called on UNESCO and its GeneralDirector to support Vietnam in developing a draft law oncultural heritage – a move to complete the legal framework for culturalheritage in the country. Based on the results of the UNESCO pilotproject on cultural index serving the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda forsustainable development at the national level and in Thua Thien-Hue province, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has developed theNational Cultural Index, which helps comprehensively assess the contribution ofculture to the sustainable development of the country. The ministry thankedUNESCO for supporting it in developing and implement the National CulturalIndex. Hung also affirmed that asan active and responsible member of UNESCO, Vietnam is a candidate for the position ofmember of the World Heritage Committee for the 2023-2027 term. It is also amember of the Intergovernmental Committee on the Conventions on the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage 2003 and 2005.
Vietnam wishes to spread the message calling on all countries in the world,especially UNESCO member states, to join hands to keep preserving and promotingthe value of world heritage sites, he said.
The country is activelysupporting Laos in preparing a dossier seek🉐ing UNESCO recognition of Hin NamnoN♎ational Park as a World Natural Heritage Site, he said, calling on UNESCO tosupport the two countries’ effort.
Audrey Azoulay hoped that Vietnamwill be the leading country in supporting culture to become a separatedevelopment goal in the UN Agenda after 2030. Vietnam has 35titles recognised by UNESCO, including eight world cultural andnatural heritages, 15 intangible cultural heritages, three world documentaryheritages, six documentary heritages in the Asia-Pacific region, and threecreative cities./.
The People’s Committee of Da Lat city plans to hold a ceremony on December 30 to celebrate 130 years of its formation and development and to receive UNESCO recognition as a creative city in the field of music.
The Vietnam Railway Corporation (VNR) has announced that it will offer special train services shuttling between the centre of Hanoi and Gia Lam train factory which is the venue of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023 from November 17-26.
As the Vice President representing the Asia-Pacific of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference, Vietnam will help build consensus and seek appropriate solutions to urgent issues of the Asia-Pacific and UNESCO, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc.
With 60 events and activities, the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023 is expected to become a platform for exchange and display of creative activities in various areas from November 17-26.
A standout feature this year is “Manga Fest 2025”, showcasing celebrated comic titles and also offering author meet-and-greets, cosplay performances, and other interactive activities.
The programme featured a range of activities, including group practice sessions of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), Vietnamese–Indian cultural performances, a commemorative flag handover ceremony for clubs, and a beach clean-up to help protect the marine environment.
This year’s tournament has gathered over 300 coaches, athletes, and referees from 18 countries and territories, competing in 28 combat weight categories and eight performance categories. Vietnam’s team has 50 athletes, including six from Thai Nguyen province.
It is the first time that the country is to hold a G1-level tournament which is expected to lure more than 100 athletes of 15 countries and regions at Go Vap Gymnasium.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
UNESCO General Director Audrey Azoulay (L) receives Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung in Paris. (Photo: VNA) 
