UNESCO and SOVICO sign cooperation agreement to implement project to promote culture, education and sustainable development in Vietnam

UNESCO and SOVICO Group have signed two strategic cooperation agreements, officially launching two key projects on culture and education for the period 2025–2030. These projects are part of the 10-year Strategic Cooperation between UNESCO and SOVICO signed in Paris in 2024.

Signing ceremony between UNESCO and SOVICO.

These two initiatives will contribute significantly to empowering the youth generation, strengthening the capacity of local organizations and contributing to national policies, creating a solid foundation for sustainable development in Vietnam.

Accordingly, the project "Promoting the dynamic development of cultural and creative industries in Vietnam" will support more than 10,000 young people, artists and creative entrepreneurs through training, mentoring and start-up support programs.

The project will also modernize cultural spaces such as museums, theaters, and art centers, while promoting policy dialogues and creating an enabling environment for the development of cultural and creative industries in Vietnam.

In partnership with the Vietnam Association for the Promotion of Cinematography, the project also builds capacity for young filmmakers, promotes international connections, and increases the contribution of the creative and cultural industries to GDP from the current 3.5% to 7% according to the national strategy.

The project "Building Happy Schools to Contribute toEducational Innovation and Sustainable Development in Vietnam" will develop a national policy framework for a positive, comprehensive, student-centered school environment, based on the UNESCO Global Happy School model.

The pilot phase will be implemented in at least 20 schools across the three regions of the country, with Victoria South Saigon School as a strategic partner. The schools will incorporate local cultural elements, promote safe and humane learning environments, and focus on the mental health and well-being of students, teachers and the school community.

These two projects mark an important step forward in building a creative, equitable and inclusive ecosystem in Vietnam, where youth, women and those working in the fields of culture and education are equipped with the skills to create positive change. With great potential from young creative human resources and rich cultural resources, Vietnam has a great opportunity to promote sustainable development through culture and education.

“UNESCO is delighted to be joining SOVICO in Vietnam’s journey of innovation and development. These two projects mark a new phase of cooperation, based on shared values, trust and a deep belief that culture, education and young people are the solid foundations for an inclusive, sustainable and peaceful future,” said Jonathan Baker, UNESCO Representative in Vietnam.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hung, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SOVICO, affirmed: “For SOVICO, prosperity is not only measured by growth figures but also by the legacy we leave behind – cultural values preserved, souls inspired and communities given wings. SOVICO and UNESCO are committed to working together to create a more inclusive, creative and humane society.”

The partnership between UNESCO and SOVICO Group marks the first time the United Nations has partnered with a Vietnamese private enterprise since Vietnam became a member of the United Nations in 1977. This partnership affirms that culture and education are the foundations of sustainable development, contributing to the implementation of the development priorities of the Vietnamese Government in the country's new development era.

HA CHI

Source: https://nhandan.vn/unesco-va-sovico-ky-ket-hop-tac-trien-khai-du-an-thuc-day-van-hoa-giao-duc-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-tai-viet-nam-post890914.html