Vietnam Places Culture at Heart of Global Development Agenda

Vietnam has taken a significant step in redefining the role of culture on the global stage, with the UN General Assembly adopting a resolution designating 2027-2036 as the International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development. This landmark initiative was spearheaded by Vietnam, emphasizing the importance of integrating culture into development policies and fostering international cooperation. The Director-General of UNESCO lauded Vietnam for promoting this initiative and expressed gratitude to the many co-sponsoring countries that supported it. This underscores Vietnam's growing influence and its active role in cultural diplomacy on the international front. Domestically, the preservation and utilization of cultural heritage are pressing priorities. For instance, among the Mong people in Tuyen Quang Province, traditional ways of life are being maintained, serving as a testament to their efforts to preserve memories of their homeland and cultural identity in their new settlements. Advances in science and technology are also innovating how cultural heritage is preserved, created, and disseminated, with digitalization opening up new avenues. Ho Chi Minh City is actively working to bring culture closer to everyday life by transforming public spaces, heritage sites, and the arts into engines of creativity, community engagement, and sustainable development. The province of Son La is also focusing on promoting its natural landscapes and cultural heritage through events like the Moc Chau Cultural and Tourism Week, aiming to boost tourism and trade while fostering cooperation for sustainable socio-economic development. Furthermore, Vietnam is asserting its presence in sports and entertainment. Events like the Asian Kun Khmer Championship in Can Tho City and the upcoming Miss World 2026 hosting in Khanh Hoa Province highlight efforts to promote local culture and enhance international image, attracting tourists and investment. However, Vietnam's economic growth also presents new challenges in balancing traditional heritage with modern development. Establishing an ecosystem that links artisans with designers, businesses, technology, and markets is crucial for preserving traditional skills while creating new economic opportunities. This poses a question of how Vietnam will leverage culture for sustainable economic progress. Within Vietnam's one-party system, cultural policies are often state-controlled. However, Vietnam's proactive engagement in the UN resolution can be seen as a strategy to leverage culture as a form of soft power and enhance its international standing. In its relations with China, this cultural diplomacy may also serve to maintain and expand its regional influence. Information source: VietnamPlus English