Connecting cultures through the language of food

(CLO) On the morning of December 8th, the 2024 International Food Festival, themed “Gastronomy of Unity,” officially opened at the Diplomatic Quarter (298 Kim Ma, Hanoi).

This year's event brings together over 130 booths from 40 embassies, international organizations, businesses, and local foreign affairs departments, creating a space that showcases the finest global cultures and cuisines .

Delegates visit the exhibition booths at the 2024 International Food Festival. Photo: An Dang/VNA

Attending the opening ceremony were the wives of high-ranking leaders, such as Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly (wife of General Secretary To Lam), Mrs. Vu Thi Bich Ngoc (wife of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son), Mrs. Mai Thi Hanh (wife of former President Truong Tan Sang), along with Ambassadors and Heads of international organizations in Vietnam.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Vu Thi Bich Ngoc, Honorary President of the ASEAN Community Women's Group in Hanoi (AWCH), affirmed that after more than a decade of organization, the International Food Festival has become an event of international stature, not only a place for cultural and culinary exchange but also contributing to promoting the image of Vietnam and its people to friends around the world.

Ms. Bich Ngoc emphasized that, through each festival, the event has affirmed its role as a "common language" connecting people from different cultures, helping them find common ground and connection through food.

This year's festival continues to impress with its unique dishes from around the world, showcasing not only distinctive flavors but also stories of history and traditional values ​​of each nation. The booths are not only displays of culinary artistry but also bridges for countries to introduce the essence of their cultures.

In addition, Ms. Vu Thi Bich Ngoc also shared that the money donated from previous festivals has been used to support orphaned children, people with disabilities, poor women, and those in difficult circumstances throughout Vietnam.

"We hope that this year's program will continue to receive your support to spread love, help more unfortunate lives, and amplify the humanitarian value of the event," she said.

Expressing her admiration for attending the festival, Ms. Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, remarked that Vietnam is an ideal location to host an international culinary event thanks to its rich and distinctive cuisine.

“From fresh, clean ingredients and delicate flavors to sophisticated cooking techniques, Vietnamese dishes proudly stand alongside the culinary excellence of more than 60 countries and territories. This is the pinnacle of global culinary art,” emphasized Pauline Tamesis.

Not only is it an occasion to honor cuisine, the Festival also opens up opportunities to strengthen international cooperation and discuss global challenges such as the transformation of the agricultural and food system. Ms. Pauline Tamesis affirmed that the United Nations in Vietnam will continue to accompany the Government and relevant parties in addressing these challenges.

Concluding the opening ceremony, the wives of leaders, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations in Vietnam presented commemorative plaques and thank-you letters to sponsors and exhibitors, and toured the space showcasing a vibrant international culinary scene.

The 2024 International Food Festival is not only a place to celebrate culture and cuisine, but also to spread a message of sharing and connection, affirming Vietnam's position as a cultural bridge between nations.

Kieu Anh

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/lien-hoan-am-thuc-quoc-te-2024-ket-noi-van-hoa-qua-ngon-ngu-am-thuc-post324672.html