This initiative not only demonstrates Vietnam's prominent presence on the international stage, but also reflects Vietnam's vision, responsibility, contributions, and aspirations to jointly build a peaceful, prosperous, and humane future for humanity, based on enhanced cultural cooperation on a global scale.
Promoting creative industries and protecting cultural diversity.
Previously, the Vietnamese delegation, led by Central Committee member and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung, attended the World Conference on Culture Policy and Sustainable Development (MONDIACULT 2025), organized by UNESCO in collaboration with the Spanish Government, which took place from September 29 to October 1, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. The conference brought together ministers/heads of delegations from 163 countries and 90 international organizations, 100 non-governmental organizations, and 2,500 delegates including experts, scientists , cultural practitioners, artists, and media journalists.
In his keynote speech at the International Forum on Cultural Rights and the Cultural Economy, Minister Nguyen Van Hung proposed Vietnam's initiative to implement the International Decade for Culture for Sustainable Development, focusing on key priorities and aspects of culture that have been, are, and will be of concern to and addressed by the international community; he urged the international community to pay attention to and implement this in the near future, contributing to ensuring an increasingly peaceful, stable, and prosperous world ; and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Subsequently, based on the recommendation of the UNESCO Executive Board, on November 8th, at the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Assembly in Samarkand (Republic of Uzbekistan), the participating countries unanimously adopted the draft Resolution proposed by Vietnam with co-authors and the support of 71 countries. The main content of the Resolution recommends that the United Nations General Assembly consider launching the International Decade for Culture for Sustainable Development as soon as possible, prioritizing the period 2027-2036.
Nearly 40 years after the International Decade for Cultural Development (1988-1997), this is the first time UNESCO has unanimously initiated a new international decade focused on culture. The initiative was highly praised by the UNESCO Director-General and member states for its alignment with UNESCO's strategy and current common concerns; highlighting UNESCO's pioneering role in making culture an independent pillar contributing to sustainable development at the national and global levels; and as a driving force for maintaining peace, promoting creative industries, protecting cultural diversity, and fostering inclusive economic growth and social cohesion.
Vietnam's proactive and deep integration into the global economy.
Following the adoption of the Resolution, UNESCO Assistant Director-General Ernesto R. Ottone highly appreciated the broad consensus among member states on the initiative proposed by Vietnam. According to Mr. Ernesto R. Ottone, if ratified by the United Nations, this initiative will create favorable conditions to further promote the integration of culture into the development agenda of the world's largest multilateral organization in the post-2030 period.
Speaking with a reporter from the Culture section , Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director of the International Cooperation Department (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), emphasized that the initiative was formed on the basis of consistency with Vietnam's independent, self-reliant, multilateral, and diversified foreign policy; clearly demonstrating our country's proactive thinking in increasingly deep international integration to contribute to the common interests of the international community. The initiative not only has practical significance but also shows Vietnam's strong role in participating in establishing global development priorities, in line with the spirit of Resolution 59-NQ/TW on international integration in the new situation. Through this, it affirms Vietnam as an active and responsible partner, ready to work together to solve common global problems.
This is a unique opportunity to highlight the crucial role of culture in sustainable development; particularly in addressing the challenges of our time and helping to ensure a safe and sustainable future for all. UNESCO, as the leading agency within the United Nations system implementing this initiative, along with the participation of stakeholders, will contribute to peacebuilding, innovation, and inclusive and socially cohesive economic growth.
According to Director Nguyen Phuong Hoa, in recent years, culture has not become a separate objective in the agenda or sustainable development goals of the United Nations, but has only been integrated into other goals. The International Decade for Culture for Sustainable Development initiative proposed by Vietnam is expected to overcome this "shortcoming." This will be a global strategic framework to enhance awareness, mobilize political support and financial resources from all participating parties; form public-private partnerships in promoting policy consistency as well as strengthening capacity and encouraging investment in the development of cultural and creative industries.
Furthermore, the initiative emphasizes the role of folklore, cultural heritage, and innovation in responding to climate change, building peace, and strengthening social cohesion. Through coordinated actions on a global scale, UNESCO and its partners will promote the development of indicators and data systems to measure the impact of culture, thereby providing a basis for evidence-based policy planning.
In line with international conventions and its special mission in cultural development, Vietnam hopes that UNESCO will soon continue to offer global recommendations on culture and lead the implementation of this initiative over the next decade. In particular, solutions are needed to mobilize the strength of international systems and organizations, UNESCO member states, political, social, and professional organizations, as well as the private sector, businesses, and creative communities, to participate in this global initiative.
“Vietnam also hopes that this initiative will continue to receive consensus, strengthening global solidarity in implementing the UN's sustainable development agenda and goals. The initiative is also linked to the central message of MONDIACULT 2025, “There is no future without culture.” This is considered a powerful message, affirming that culture must become a goal and a key driver of development. Culture needs to be included in the UN's global sustainable development agenda and goals as soon as possible,” said Ms. Nguyen Phuong Hoa.
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/dua-van-hoa-tro-thanh-tru-cot-phat-trien-ben-vung-toan-cau-205331.html
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