The Prime Minister hopes that the World Cultural Festival in Hanoi will become an annual activity.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized his wish that the World Cultural Festival will become an annual event, spreading the strength of Vietnamese culture and the spirit of international solidarity.

On the evening of October 10, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the opening ceremony of the first World Cultural Festival in Hanoi, jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Hanoi People's Committee at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage Center.

Also attending the event were Ms. Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of General Secretary To Lam; Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung; representatives of leaders of central ministries, departments and branches and representatives of nearly 50 embassies and international organizations in Vietnam.

This is the first time the World Cultural Festival in Hanoi has been held, with the participation of nearly 50 countries from five continents.

With the theme "Culture as the foundation - Art as the means," the Festival is "positioned" as a colorful festival where cultures meet, connect and shine together.

This is not only an opportunity to introduce the quintessence of international culture to the Vietnamese public, but also an opportunity to promote the image of the country and people of Vietnam to friends around the world, promote people-to-people exchanges, enhance understanding and mutual trust between countries, and affirm Hanoi as a center of global cultural convergence in the new era.

The First World Cultural Festival in Hanoi is a key foreign cultural activity of Vietnam in 2025, gathering 48 participating countries with 45 cultural spaces; 34 international culinary booths; 23 domestic and foreign art troupes; 12 units introducing books and publications; 22 countries participating in the international film screening program...

This is a record number in the history of foreign cultural events in Vietnam, showing the attractiveness of Hanoi - an ideal "meeting place", attracting the participation of world cultures.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the first World Cultural Festival in Hanoi. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)

Speaking at the event, on behalf of General Secretary To Lam and leaders of the Party and State of Vietnam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent respectful greetings, best regards and best wishes to the distinguished guests.

Emphasizing that culture is the red thread connecting people to people, connecting countries to countries, connecting the world together, culture has no borders, the Prime Minister said that the First World Cultural Festival in Hanoi is an event connecting Vietnam with peoples around the world.

Thanking international friends for their presence at this first Festival, the Prime Minister emphasized that despite initial difficulties, we have tried very hard to bring joy and opportunities to enjoy culture to everyone.

While welcoming the World Cultural Festival, the Prime Minister did not forget to pay special attention and inform delegates about the recent storms and floods that have caused heavy damage in many provinces and cities in Vietnam, and many people and localities are still struggling with mounting difficulties.

Once again, the Prime Minister sends his deepest condolences to those who have suffered loss of life and property due to natural disasters; and calls for contributions and solidarity from compatriots, comrades nationwide and international friends for those who are being severely affected by storms and floods caused by post-storm circulation.

The Prime Minister said that President Ho Chi Minh - the great national hero and world cultural celebrity - once affirmed that "culture lights the way for the nation"; the Party affirmed that "culture is an endogenous strength," culture has scientific, national and popular characteristics.

Vietnam is concretizing the Party's guidelines so that culture is truly an endogenous strength, connecting people to people, connecting economies to each other, including developing the cultural industry and entertainment industry. From the cultural industry and entertainment industry, it contributes to the internationalization of culture imbued with Vietnamese national identity and the nationalization of world civilization in Vietnam; contributing to making people not only enjoy the culture of their own nation and country but also enjoy the culture and civilization of the world.

The Prime Minister hopes that ministries, branches, localities, especially countries having relations with Vietnam, specifically countries currently having embassies in Hanoi and consulates general in Vietnamese cities, will continue to respond, so that the World Cultural Festival in Vietnam becomes an annual brand.

To do so, continue to make culture not only have endogenous strength but also have the strength of international solidarity, the strength of sharing, such as sharing with people suffering the consequences of climate change - a national, comprehensive and global issue, requiring international solidarity, promoting multilateralism and mutual assistance, including cultural ties.

International delegates attend the opening ceremony of the first World Cultural Festival in Hanoi. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)

Following Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Mr. Jonathan Baker, Head of UNESCO Representative Office in Vietnam, expressed his deep sympathy with the areas of Vietnam affected by recent natural disasters; affirming that in difficult times, culture reminds us of our roots, resilience and compassion.

Affirming that the First World Cultural Festival in Hanoi is an opportunity for countries to share traditional values ​​and innovation, the UNESCO Representative called on countries to work together to build a future where culture inspires, unites, and is resilient in the face of adversity and natural disasters.

Immediately following the Opening Ceremony will be a special art program with the theme "Colors of Vietnam - Rhythm of the World," with the participation of many famous domestic and international artists.

The performances were elaborately staged, combining traditional and modern art, interwoven with 3D Mapping projection, expressing the spirit of convergence of five continents in creative light and solidarity.

Everything moves in three-dimensional space with the message: Culture is the bridge of humanity, creativity is the common language of the world.

The opening art program consists of three chapters, like a journey connecting traditional heritage to modernity and international integration.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visits the national cultural spaces of the countries participating in the Festival. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)

Chapter 1 has the theme "Heritage Melodies," with folk melodies and ethnic music, traditional colors that create the origin and unique cultural qualities of Vietnam.

Chapter 2, with the theme "Modern Colors," depicts a youthful, creative, and integrated Vietnam - where new colors blend with the rhythm of modern life.

Chapter 3, with the theme "World Harmony," is a connection, opening arms to welcome friends from all over the world to create a global "symphony" together, connecting hearts through music and art.

Within the framework of the festival, from October 11-12, many unique cultural and artistic exchange activities will take place at Thang Long Imperial Citadel, which will be an attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/thu-tuong-mong-muon-le-hoi-van-hoa-the-gioi-tai-ha-noi-se-la-hoat-dong-thuong-nien-post1069586.vnp