World Cultural Festival in Hanoi 'shares with people affected by natural disasters'

On the evening of October 10, at the Central Relic Site of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the opening ceremony of the first World Cultural Festival in Hanoi.

Taking place from October 10-12 with the spirit of "Connecting - sharing - spreading love", the World Cultural Festival in Hanoi gathered a large number of international friends, artists, social organizations, businesses and Vietnamese people to support the community heavily affected by natural disasters.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of General Secretary To Lam, visit the exhibition booths of the countries.

PHOTO: NHAT BAC

The official opening ceremony was held at the heritage center with the art program "Colors of Vietnam - Rhythms of the World", introducing typical heritages of Vietnam such as Bac Ninh Quan Ho, Hue Royal Court Music, Central Highlands gongs, Southern amateur music, Hat Van, Thang Long Xam...

Art troupes from many countries contributed to creating a colorful picture of world culture. The opening night ended with the performance We Are The World spreading the message of friendship, solidarity and peace.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and delegates performed a special ceremony (painting five-color ceramic paintings) to open the festival; visited national cultural spaces of the countries.

According to the Prime Minister, culture is the "red thread" connecting people, connecting nations, connecting the world; culture has no borders. The first World Cultural Festival in 2025 is an event connecting the Vietnamese people with peoples around the world.

Vietnam is experiencing a period of "storm upon storm, flood upon flood" natural disasters. In the third quarter of 2025 alone, it suffered 8 storms, and in September alone, 4 storms. A part of the population is struggling with the difficulties caused by natural disasters.

The Prime Minister sent his deepest condolences to localities and families suffering loss of life and property; and called for contributions, cooperation and sharing from compatriots nationwide and international friends for those who are being severely affected by natural disasters.

The Head of Government highly appreciated the program for its strong expression of Vietnamese cultural identity, including the culture of sharing and helping each other with national and compatriot sentiment; contributing to sharing and sending feelings in many different forms to compatriots suffering the consequences of climate change, including the current storms and floods.

"We will continue to promote the role of culture as an endogenous strength, as well as a connecting strength, a strength of international solidarity, sharing together in the face of natural disasters and the consequences of climate change, which are of a national, comprehensive and global nature, requiring international solidarity, upholding multilateralism and mutual assistance, including the cultural bond," the Prime Minister said.

Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of General Secretary To Lam, performed a special ceremony of painting five-color ceramic paintings to open the festival.

PHOTO: NHAT BAC

Mr. Jonathan Wallace Baker, Chief Representative of UNESCO in Vietnam, emphasized that Hanoi has long been a bridge between cultures, a city where traditional values ​​intersect with creativity.

Congratulating the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Hanoi People's Committee for realizing this inspiring initiative, Mr. Jonathan Wallace Baker also expressed UNESCO's deep sympathy and solidarity with the areas affected by recent natural disasters.

“Let this festival be remembered not only for its colors and performances – but also for its message: when culture connects, humanity unites. Together, let us build a future where culture inspires unity and resilience in the face of adversity – right here in Hanoi and around the world,” Mr. Baker emphasized.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/le-hoi-van-hoa-the-gioi-tai-ha-noi-se-chia-voi-dong-bao-bi-thien-tai-185251011102132474.htm