Full text of Minister Nguyen Van Hung's speech at the closing ceremony of the first World Cultural Festival in Hanoi

Full text of Minister Nguyen Van Hung's speech at the closing ceremony of the first World Cultural Festival in Hanoi - photo 1

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung speaks at the closing ceremony. Photo: TRAN HUAN

Dear guests,

Dear Ambassadors, representatives of international organizations and foreign cultural centers in Vietnam,

Dear all people and international friends,

Sustainable, creative and inclusive development has become the goal of many countries in the world , and Vietnam is no exception. The Party and State of Vietnam have identified sustainable development on the basis of Cultural and human development is the foundation, promoting foreign affairs and international integration is essential and regular . On the way to realizing that goal, a very important condition is to have a peaceful and stable environment and effective cooperation between countries and like-minded partners.

The Vietnamese people are civilized and heroic with thousands of years of history, have a tradition of loving peace; always understand and act for stability and cooperation; always clearly perceive and consider the preservation and promotion of the value of cultural heritage, respect and protection of nature as gratitude to tradition, ensuring the right to development of future generations, ensuring the rapid and sustainable development of the country. The Vietnamese people also promote that mindset and bring that awareness into all activities and cooperation with countries and partners. Vietnam is a proactive and responsible member of UNESCO, actively contributing to the success of international frameworks and activities, especially in creating, dialogue, and cooperation for peace and development.

The first World Cultural Festival in Vietnam is a vivid proof; originated from the initiative of Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of General Secretary To Lam, to organize an international cultural event in the capital Hanoi - a place to honor the unique beauty of each country - affirming the power of culture in connecting people with people - and is a vivid picture of human unity in diversity .

With a sense of responsibility, positivity and urgency, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism presided over and coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hanoi City, and relevant agencies to prepare and solemnly organize the opening ceremony of the first World Cultural Festival at Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hanoi Capital on October 10, 2025. The opening ceremony was honored to welcome Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to attend and give a speech, with the participation of Ms. Ngo Phuong Ly - wife of General Secretary To Lam, distinguished domestic and international guests, and a large number of people and tourists.

Dear delegates and guests,

Held for 3 days, from October 10 to 12, 2025, the first World Cultural Festival in Hanoi has 48 countries and international organizations participating, with many unique cultural spaces and events, from the exhibition "Cultural Road", to the international costume show with the theme "Heritage Footsteps"/Ao Dai Festival, film screenings introducing art and culture, Book Festival, to activities introducing culinary arts of countries, and 30 international art performances, attracting over 1 million visitors to visit and experience.

We have spent memorable days together, witnessing the wonderful exchange of cultures from around the world at the historic Thang Long Imperial Citadel - a world cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO. Within the framework of the first World Cultural Festival, we have shared, learned and overcome all language and geographical barriers to become closer; we have created a space to introduce and promote the diversity and richness of cultures. We have joined hands to contribute to maintaining international peace and security by strengthening cooperation between countries in culture in accordance with UNESCO's motto - culture for peace; we have affirmed the pioneering role of culture in promoting international cooperation and building a bridge of friendship between peoples, implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, bringing common prosperity to the international community.

Not only is it a meeting of friendship between cultures around the world, with the message " The world beats together with love ", within the framework of the Festival, the Organizing Committee has carried out an auction and charity donation program with a total budget of 2.5 billion VND, in which all the funds raised will be transferred to localities in Vietnam that suffered damage due to floods, to support the reconstruction of houses, schools and civil works, support the reconstruction of people's lives; spreading a strong message of the spirit of sharing and resilience .

On behalf of the Steering Committee and the Organizing Committee, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all of you - those who have contributed to making the Festival a great success and full of meaning, with the participation of hundreds of domestic and international artists, artisans, and cultural figures, and the love and support of millions of Vietnamese and international audiences attending in person as well as through online platforms and social networks.

I believe that, with the attention of the Vietnamese State, the love of culture and the desire to develop culture of the Vietnamese people, of Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of General Secretary To Lam, and the enthusiastic support and participation of international partners, the World Cultural Festival in Hanoi in the following times will continue to leave a deep impression in the hearts of the Vietnamese people and international friends; make an important contribution to promoting cooperation, so that we can join hands to build a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainably developed future; and at the same time affirm the image of a safe, beautiful, culturally unique, humane, dynamic Vietnam that is deeply integrated with the world.

I wish you health, happiness and success.

Thank you very much!

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/chinh-tri/toan-van-phat-bieu-cua-bo-truong-nguyen-van-hung-tai-le-be-mac-le-hoi-van-hoa-the-gioi-tai-ha-noi-lan-thu-nhat-174267.html