The conference brought together international experts and representatives of cities in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network to discuss and promote global connectivity in organizing Creative Design Festivals, and to build a common framework towards impactful, inclusive and sustainable festival programs.
“Common denominator” for festivals
According to Bach Lien Huong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports , after more than 6 years of becoming a member of the "UNESCO Creative Cities Network", Hanoi has had many activities to concretize its commitments to building a Creative City. The city has been affirming its position as one of the dynamic and creative cities in Asia. Hanoi promotes creative design activities, connecting cooperation opportunities between cities in the Network.
In 2024, the City established an Advisory Council of experts; built creative activity spaces; developed criteria and creative activity spaces; established the Hanoi Creative Activities Coordination Center; built the Hanoi Creative Cultural Space Network connecting organizations, individuals, experts, artists, and community groups operating in the field of creative design; attracted and connected local and international creative resources; introduced, shared, and supported the creative community to develop and expand. The highlight is the organization of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival.
“The good results achieved are due first of all to the attention, support and advice the City has received from many talented experts in the field of creative design. We deeply appreciate their contributions and help,” said Ms. Bach Lien Huong.
Speaking at the conference, Mr. Jonathan Baker, UNESCO Representative in Vietnam, said that Hanoi's recognition as a UNESCO Creative City in the field of Design has opened a new chapter - where creativity is no longer a supporting factor, but becomes a key driving force for development.
“Over the years, the City has nurtured a dynamic creative ecosystem: festivals that enliven public spaces, networks that connect communities, and initiatives that empower young designers to envision and create new futures for their city,” said Jonathan Baker.
The Head of UNESCO Representative Office in Vietnam also expressed his hope that at this conference, UNESCO Creative Cities would not only learn from each other about effective cooperation models between the public-private-community sector, promoting the role of the community, transforming urban life with creativity, but also be able to build a common Festival Framework for cities. This Festival Framework is not a rigid template, but a flexible orientation for cities to adjust to their own cultural identity and development aspirations.
Experience from other countries
Sharing experiences in building and developing Creative Cities, representatives of Creative Cities around the world provided a lot of useful information about effective creative activities in their localities.
Ms. Suwannee Senee, representative of Chiang Mai Creative City (Thailand), said that Chiang Mai builds a sustainable creative community with a three-way cooperation model: public - private - community. The city is recognized for 9 key handicraft groups, including silver crafting, lacquerware, textiles, wood carving and many other types of fine arts. There are more than 200 creative spaces supporting artists, designers and artisans. Creative industries in Chiang Mai create jobs for more than 60,000 workers, contributing 12-14% of the province's GDP.
Ms. Suwannee Senee also shared that in public-private-community partnerships (PPPs) in Thailand, the public sector plays a policy-oriented and facilitative role. Local and provincial governments develop creative district plans, including the old town. Chiang Mai Provincial Administration sponsors and implements handicraft programs.
Meanwhile, Ms. Ho Rui Oi Chachael, International Relations Coordinator, Industrial Promotion Division (Department of Economic Affairs, Asahikawa City Hall, Japan), shared her experience in engaging youth and the community at Asahikawa Design Week.
“We strive to enhance the design appreciation and understanding of all citizens. This helps to strengthen the community connection in the design city. In particular, we encourage the young generation – the future leaders – to cultivate design understanding through every educational opportunity. We also expand the network of connections between design cities through learning about diverse cultures,” shared Ms. Ho Rui Oi Chachael.
At the workshop, representatives of many Creative Cities in Vietnam such as Da Nang, Lam Dong, etc. also shared their experiences in building Creative Cities in their localities. Localities all emphasized the role of the community, the participation and facilitation of the government.
Also at the workshop, the Organizing Committee provided information on the preparation for the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2026, scheduled to take place from January 10 to 11, 2026 at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. The program aims to connect the creative community, promote urban heritage, promote the development of cultural industries and honor innovative values in the context of strong urban-rural transformation.
From March to May 2026, Hanoi will deploy the Cultural Industry Center model in the Dong Xuan - Bac Qua area, including two old school campuses (17 Nguyen Thien Thuat and 40 Thanh Ha) and the Dong Xuan Market area. Here, the City will pilot the Creative Workshop model at Dong Xuan Market, organize creative accommodation activities, promote interdisciplinary practice to create products to participate in the Creative Design Festival 2026 and the "Hanoi Creative Design 2026" competition.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/kien-tao-thanh-pho-sang-tao-tu-cac-le-hoi-725741.html
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