Vietnam spreads message of peace through cultural preservation at international conference in Venezuela

In an atmosphere imbued with the spirit of solidarity, Vietnam brought to the “International Conference of Indigenous Peoples for Peace and Development” in Venezuela a new, colorful breeze of the “S-shaped strip of land”, including the story of highland women who are quietly preserving the soul of Vietnamese culture through each thread, song and traditional custom.

According to VNA correspondents in Latin America, taking place from December 8-9 in Caracas, Venezuela, the conference attracted the participation of thousands of delegates and representatives from 15 countries, including Vietnam - the only Asian country to attend this international event.

Speaking at the opening of the conference, Venezuelan Minister of Indigenous Peoples Clara Vidal emphasized that culture is a “solid path to building peace and sustainable development” in the context that many indigenous communities around the world are facing the risk of losing their livelihoods and cultural identity due to the impact of uncontrolled resource exploitation.

According to Minister Clara Vidal, preserving the identity of indigenous peoples in the context of globalization is a major challenge, requiring comprehensive strategies focusing on self-determination, education, culture and economy . The goal is for indigenous communities to adapt without being assimilated.

Bringing to the conference the message “Preserving peace through preserving ethnic culture”, Vietnamese director Nguyen Bong Mai made a strong impression through simple but profound stories about women of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities – those who “persist in keeping the flame of culture alive, writing the story of peace from their own lives”.

In her speech, she shared thought-provoking images: a young girl denied the opportunity to be treated, an old artisan working hard at her loom, a young woman with a university degree returning to her village to nurture her homeland’s culture. Director Bong Mai emphasized: “The future of girls and the power of women in preserving culture are not two parallel lines, but threads woven into the same fabric – the fabric on which indigenous communities write their own stories.”

In particular, the highlight of the Vietnam booth is the traditional costumes of the Khang, Xa Phang, Red Dao, Lu and Black Ha Nhi ethnic groups. Each pattern, material and stitch tells a story of harmony between people and the mountains and forests, conveying the enduring vitality of the mountain communities. The vibrant colors of Vietnamese culture appearing at the international conference made a strong impression on nearly 2,000 delegates, like a friendly invitation from a peace-loving nation.

Speaking to the press at the event, director Bong Mai emphasized: “Cultural preservation is not just about preserving a costume or a dance; it is how we remind each other who we are, where we come from, and how we want the world to treat us.”

By introducing the identity of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam, especially the role of women in preserving heritage, the Vietnamese representative contributed to spreading the message of peace - a peace that stems from respect for identity, the right to tell one's story and the right to live in dignity for all indigenous communities.

Vietnam's presence in Caracas this time not only helps expand the cultural bridge between the two sides of the Pacific, but also affirms Vietnam's commitment to the common effort to build a world of diversity, peace and sustainable development.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/viet-nam-lan-toa-thong-diep-hoa-binh-qua-bao-ton-van-hoa-tai-hoi-nghi-quoc-te-o-venezuela-20251209121615111.htm