Vietnam demonstrates capacity to build common ground among nations

Initiated by Vietnam, the initiative marks a major milestone in efforts to establish culture as an essential driver of global sustainable development.

Marking the occasion, UNESCO Representative to Vietnam Jonathan Wallace Baker emphasized that the declaration comes at a critical juncture as the international community strives to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and prepare for the subsequent development framework.

He noted that the Decade builds upon the outcomes of the 2026 World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development (MONDIACULT), serving as a crucial bridge to reinforce the status of culture and promote its recognition as a standalone objective in the post-2030 development agenda.

To turn this recognition into practical action, he asserted that nations must enact stronger cultural policies, ensure sustainable financing, increase support for creative industries, safeguard cultural diversity, and systematically integrate culture into economic, social, and environmental policies. Furthermore, the success of the Decade will be measured by positive changes in community livelihoods, improved conditions for artists, and the preservation of identity and heritage amid change.

Extending warm congratulations to Vietnam, the UNESCO Representative acknowledged that the initiative was initially approved by the UNESCO General Conference in 2025 with the consensus of 72 member states, before being officially adopted by the 80th UN General Assembly with broad co-sponsorship from 103 countries.

He affirmed that the initiative demonstrates international stature by addressing the shared objective of maximizing culture's role in sustainable development, social cohesion, and resilience. Bringing an idea from the national level through UNESCO to the United Nations requires persistent dialogue and the capacity to build common ground among nations with diverse backgrounds.

Looking ahead, Vietnam's pioneering role must be sustained through effective implementation, and UNESCO eagerly looks forward to close cooperation with Vietnam to formulate a concrete Action Plan.

Regarding cooperation frameworks over the next decade to materialize the practical goals of the Decade, such as developing the creative economy, digital culture, and indigenous knowledge, Jonathan Wallace Baker stated that both sides will continue refining cultural policies and implementation.

This comes as Vietnam has taken strategic steps, including issuing Resolution 80,  the Strategy for Developing Cultural Industries through 2030, the amended Law on Cultural Heritage, and the target for cultural industries to contribute 7% of GDP by 2030. UNESCO will contribute through policy advice, data sharing, technical expertise, and international standards.

Additionally, cooperation will focus on promoting a creative cultural ecosystem through Vietnam's network of four UNESCO Creative Cities, alongside a collaborative project enhancing creative cultural industries for 2025-2030 in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the SOVICO Group.

Concerning digital transformation, top priorities include building reliable cultural databases, protecting data and community rights, expanding equitable access, and investing in managerial human resources. Moreover, through South-South and triangular cooperation frameworks, Vietnam can both learn from international experience and proactively contribute valuable ideas to the global cultural agenda.

Vietnam continues to promote role as active, responsible member of UNESCO

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van, who is also Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, led a Vietnamese delegation to attend the 11th Session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Paris from June 16-19.

Vietnam supports UNESCO's people-centred approach, multilateral cooperation

Vietnam supports the vision and approach of “UNESCO for the people,” placing people at the centre of the organisation, with all policies and programmes meeting the practical needs of the public, especially vulnerable groups, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van, Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, has said.