Following the 13th National Congress of the Party, diplomatic culture was identified as one of the important pillars of comprehensive and modern diplomacy. Enhancing national soft power and promoting the image of Vietnam and its people to the world has become a continuous task, contributing to consolidating political trust and building the country's position and prestige in the context of deep integration.
The Resolution of the 13th National Congress clearly states the objectives for the 2021-2030 period: "Continuing the independent, self-reliant, multilateral, and diversified foreign policy; proactively and actively integrating into the international community comprehensively, deeply, and effectively; maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, and continuously enhancing Vietnam's international standing." Based on this orientation, foreign affairs in general and cultural diplomacy in particular have achieved many outstanding advancements.
In the context of globalization and deep international integration, cultural diplomacy has become one of the three important pillars of modern diplomacy, alongside political diplomacy and economic diplomacy. (Photo: Archival material)
Cultural diplomacy - a highlight of high-level foreign relations.
Over the years, cultural diplomacy has been implemented systematically and extensively, mobilizing the entire political system. High-level diplomatic activities led by Party and State leaders have made a special mark, contributing to strengthening strategic trust with partners. Simultaneously, programs such as Vietnam Week/Day abroad, activities honoring President Ho Chi Minh, and many cultural exchange programs have been significantly reformed, spreading Vietnamese cultural values to the international community.
In addition to central-level activities, cultural diplomacy at the local level, businesses, and communities is also thriving. Nearly 9,000 annual festivals and events, along with numerous international cooperation programs in various provinces and cities, have become an important foundation for promoting a vibrant and approachable image of Vietnam.
Cultural diplomacy has truly become a "soft weapon," helping international friends better understand the character, spirit, and identity of Vietnam, thereby supporting the independent and self-reliant foreign policy of the Party and the State.
Making a strong mark on the UNESCO map.
2023 marked a significant leap forward for Vietnam's soft power on the international stage. UNESCO recognized the Cat Ba archipelago as a World Heritage Site, inscribed Hoi An and Da Lat into the network of creative cities, and honored Hai Thuong Lan Ong as a World Cultural Figure.
Vietnam currently holds the position of Vice President of the UNESCO General Assembly and is a member of all five of the organization's key mechanisms, becoming one of the countries with a key voice in global policy-making on culture, education, and science. To date, Vietnam possesses 67 UNESCO heritage sites and designations, far exceeding the target of 60 designations set for 2030.
These recognitions not only enhance international prestige but also have a direct impact on local socio-economic development. Ninh Binh is a prime example: relying on the Trang An World Heritage Site, the province has strongly shifted its economic structure, reducing agricultural labor to 10%, significantly increasing the proportion of industry and tourism, and doubling tourism revenue in 2023 compared to 2019.
In 2024-2025, activities promoting Vietnamese culture continued to make their mark in many new regions. For the first time, Vietnam Day Abroad was held in Latin America, leaving behind images of Brazilian children enjoying the art of water puppetry.
In Saudi Arabia, Vietnamese culture is present in the heart of the desert as people experience making traditional clay figurines and watch artisans create camel sculptures in the Vietnamese style. These moments of cultural exchange help the world better understand the sophistication and humanity of the Vietnamese people.
Numerous art exchange initiatives, such as the Vietnam-Japan Festival, the 2024 International Dance Festival, art programs in Italy, and the Vietnamese Film Week in France, continue to affirm the attractiveness of Vietnamese culture and its ability to integrate and engage in effective dialogue with major art forms.
Vietnam is becoming one of Asia's most attractive cultural destinations. At the World Travel Awards 2024, Vietnam was honored with the titles: Asia's Leading Destination, Asia's Leading Heritage Destination, and Asia's Leading Nature Destination.
In 2024, Vietnam welcomed 17.5 million international visitors, a 38.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023 – an impressive growth rate in the region.
According to the Lowy Institute's (Australia) Asia Power Index 2024, Vietnam's overall power increased by 1.2%; with the strongest improvement coming from its diplomatic and cultural influence.
Strategic advances at the end of the term.
According to Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director of the Department of International Cooperation, 2025 marks a breakthrough period for Vietnam's cultural diplomacy with a strategic vision and many new initiatives.
One of the most notable achievements is Vietnam's pioneering proposal of the International Decade for Culture for Sustainable Development at Mondiacult 2025, with the participation of 163 countries. The initiative was adopted by UNESCO and submitted to the United Nations, demonstrating Vietnam's leading role in shaping global development thinking after 2030.
Domestically, the first World Culture Festival in Hanoi attracted over 1 million visitors, 48 participating countries, 30 performances, 34 films, and raised over 2.5 billion VND for charity. The event aims to become an annual festival, making Hanoi a hub for global civilization.
In high-level diplomatic activities, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism organized 7 art programs to serve the visits of high-ranking leaders to many countries; at the same time, it implemented many domestic art programs to serve the welcoming ceremonies for heads of state and the series of activities commemorating the 80th anniversary of National Day.
Notably, the Vietnam Pavilion at EXPO 2025 Osaka won two international awards, welcomed nearly 1.7 million visitors in six months, and made a significant impact at this global event.
Vietnam continues to play an active role as a member of UNESCO, ASEAN, and many multilateral forums. In 2025, Vietnam will be re-elected to the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2005 UNESCO Convention; the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac complex will be inscribed as a World Heritage Site; and Phong Nha - Ke Bang will be expanded to become the first cross-border heritage site between Vietnam and Laos.
Ho Chi Minh City has officially joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of cinema, opening up vast opportunities for cooperation for the cultural industry.
Within ASEAN, Vietnam actively contributes to building the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the Framework for Sustainable Development of the Creative Economy, and also organizes many sports and cultural conferences in Hanoi.
The outstanding achievements in cultural diplomacy after the 13th National Congress not only enhanced Vietnam's standing but also created new momentum and strength for the country on its path towards strategic goals: celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Party and the 100th anniversary of the founding of the nation.
Cultural diplomacy has been, is, and will continue to affirm its role as an important pillar of modern Vietnamese diplomacy, a persistent soft power that spreads Vietnamese identity to the world, while contributing to promoting peace, cooperation, and development.
Vietnamnet.vn
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhung-dau-an-dac-biet-cua-ngoai-giao-van-hoa-2482250.html
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