The effort aims to make culture a place of sharing and connection between people.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivers a speech at the first World Cultural Festival in Hanoi. (Photo: TRAN HAI)

Also attending were Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of General Secretary To Lam; leaders of several central ministries and agencies; Mr. Jonathan Wallace Baker, Head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Representative Office in Vietnam; and the Head of the Diplomatic Corps in Vietnam, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Vietnam, Saadi Salama.

Taking place from October 10th to 12th with the spirit of "Connecting - Sharing - Spreading Love," the festival brought together a large number of international friends, artists, social organizations, businesses, and Vietnamese people to support communities severely affected by natural disasters. The event demonstrated international solidarity in jointly responding to global challenges, especially climate change. The festival space was vibrant with colors, featuring traditional Asian and European dances, international costume and culinary displays, and Vietnamese artistic performances conveying the message "The world beats with one heart of love."

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other leaders visit the National Cultural Spaces of the countries participating in the Festival. (Photo: TRAN HAI)

The official opening ceremony was held in the heritage center with the artistic program "Colors of Vietnam - Rhythms of the World". It began with the resounding sound of traditional drums, 3D mapping effects, and the song "Hello Vietnam" in a solemn and modern atmosphere. Following this, the "Colors and Cultural Heritage" ritual was performed as delegates joined together in five colors symbolizing the cultural connection of the nations.

The artistic performances showcased typical Vietnamese heritage such as Quan Ho folk singing from Bac Ninh, Hue Royal Court Music, Central Highlands Gong Music, Southern Vietnamese folk singing, Co Doi Thuong Ngan folk singing, Thang Long Xam folk singing, etc. Alongside these, art troupes from Laos, Japan, Mongolia, Romania, Pakistan, India, and other countries contributed to a vibrant tapestry of world culture. The opening night concluded with the performance "We Are The World," spreading a message of friendship, solidarity, and peace.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attends the first World Cultural Festival in Hanoi. (Photo: TRAN HAI)

On the circular stage, the audience will enjoy Quan Ho folk songs, Cheo opera, water puppetry, and performances by art troupes from Thailand, Laos, Palestine, Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, Ukraine, the Philippines, and the UAE… creating a vibrant, multi-ethnic atmosphere of cultural exchange and strong spirit of friendship…

In his opening remarks, on behalf of General Secretary To Lam and other Party and State leaders, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh extended his respectful greetings, warm regards, and best wishes to the distinguished guests; emphasizing that culture is the thread that connects people to people, nations to nations, and the world to one another; culture knows no borders.

A traditional drum performance, rich in national cultural identity, was presented at the opening ceremony. (Photo: TRAN HAI)

Emphasizing that this festival is a connection between the Vietnamese people and the peoples of the world, the Prime Minister thanked the presence of international friends at this event; stating that "every beginning is difficult," there are difficulties but we are trying very hard to make this festival bring joy and cultural enjoyment from the peoples of the world to Vietnam, and from Vietnam to the peoples of the world.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other leaders perform a special ceremony (painting on five-colored ceramic tiles) to inaugurate the festival. (Photo: TRAN HAI)

The Prime Minister stated that Vietnam is currently battling numerous storms and floods, a "storm upon storm, flood upon flood" scenario; in the third quarter of this year, Vietnam suffered 8 storms, and in September alone, it experienced 4 storms; a segment of the Vietnamese population is struggling with the difficulties caused by these natural disasters. The Prime Minister extended his deepest condolences and sympathy to the people who have suffered losses of life and property in the areas currently affected by natural disasters and floods; emphasizing that Vietnam calls for the collective contribution and support of all citizens and international friends to those severely affected by these disasters.

A spectacular dance performance was presented at the opening ceremony. (Photo: TRAN HAI)

The Prime Minister stated that President Ho Chi Minh – the great national hero and world cultural figure – once affirmed that "Culture illuminates the path for the nation to follow," and the Party also affirmed that "Culture is an intrinsic strength," possessing scientific, national, and popular characteristics. Currently, we are concretizing this Party guideline so that culture truly becomes an intrinsic strength, connecting people with people and different cultures; we are developing the cultural and entertainment industry, thereby contributing to the internationalization of Vietnamese culture with its rich national identity to international friends; at the same time, we are nationalizing world civilization in Vietnam; this contributes to enabling the people to truly enjoy Vietnamese culture and world civilization.

The Prime Minister hopes that ministries, sectors, localities, especially countries with relations with Vietnam, and embassies and consulates in Vietnam, will continue to participate in the annual World Culture Festival in Hanoi; and continue to make culture an intrinsic strength, a strength of international solidarity, and a strength of sharing to respond to natural disasters and the consequences of climate change affecting us – all of which are issues of national, comprehensive, and global importance, thus requiring international solidarity, upholding multilateralism, and mutual assistance, including cultural ties.

The Prime Minister thanked Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of General Secretary To Lam, for her excellent idea, which was supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and diplomatic agencies in Vietnam, contributing to the world cultural festival; we are enjoying it; at the same time, we do not forget the people who are suffering the consequences of natural disasters and will have a support program within the framework of this Festival, showing the rich cultural identity of the nation, including the culture of sharing, the culture of helping each other, the culture of "national solidarity and brotherhood"; we can share and convey our feelings in many different forms to our compatriots who are suffering the consequences of climate change, including the recent storms and floods.

Jonathan Wallace Baker, Head of UNESCO's Representative Office in Vietnam, delivers a speech at the festival. (Photo: TRAN HAI)

At the ceremony, the Head of UNESCO's Representative Office in Vietnam, Jonathan Wallace Baker, expressed UNESCO's deep sympathy and solidarity with the areas affected by the recent natural disasters; offered condolences to the families who lost their homes and loved ones; and stated that, in this difficult time, culture reminds us of our roots, the roots of resilience, compassion, and the ability to rebuild lives together. This festival clearly demonstrates that spirit. With the theme "Joining Hands with Flood-Affected People," the festival shows that culture is not only about celebrating beauty and creativity but also a source of inspiration for compassion, recovery, and solidarity.

He affirmed that UNESCO is proud to accompany Vietnam on this meaningful journey. UNESCO's collaboration in the World Cultural Festival in Hanoi underscores that creativity and humanity always go hand in hand. Let this festival be remembered – not only for its colors and performances – but also for the message that when cultures connect, humanity unites. Let us together build a future where culture inspires solidarity and resilience in the face of adversity – right here in Hanoi, and around the world.

* At the ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other leaders performed a special ritual (painting on five-colored ceramic tiles) to inaugurate the festival.

The opening ceremony also featured spectacular artistic performances from Vietnam and the participating countries. Prior to that, the Prime Minister and other leaders visited the National Cultural Spaces of the participating countries.

Ha Thanh Giang

Source: https://nhandan.vn/no-luc-de-van-hoa-la-su-se-chia-ket-noi-giua-con-nguoi-voi-con-nguoi-post914484.html