The Prime Minister hopes that the World Culture Festival in Hanoi will become an annual event.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized his hope that the World Cultural Festival would become an annual event, spreading the strength of Vietnamese culture and the spirit of international solidarity.
On the evening of October 10th, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the opening ceremony of the First World Culture Festival in Hanoi, jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , and the People's Committee of Hanoi City at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage Center.
Also attending the event were Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of General Secretary To Lam; Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung; representatives of leaders from central ministries, departments and agencies; and representatives from nearly 50 embassies and international organizations in Vietnam.
This is the first time the World Cultural Festival has been held in Hanoi, with the participation of nearly 50 countries from five continents.
With the theme "Culture as the foundation - Art as the means," the festival is positioned as a vibrant celebration where cultures meet, connect, and shine together.
This is not only an opportunity to introduce the finest international cultures to the Vietnamese public, but also a chance to promote the image of Vietnam and its people to friends around the world, foster people-to-people exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and trust between nations, and affirm Hanoi as a global cultural hub in the new era.
The First World Cultural Festival in Hanoi is a key cultural diplomacy event of Vietnam in 2025, bringing together 48 participating countries with 45 cultural spaces; 34 international food stalls; 23 domestic and international art troupes; 12 book and publication exhibitors; and 22 countries participating in the international film screening program…
This is a record number in the history of cultural diplomacy events in Vietnam, demonstrating the attractiveness of Hanoi – an ideal "meeting point" that attracts the participation of world cultures.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivers the opening speech at the first World Cultural Festival in Hanoi. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)
Speaking at the event, on behalf of General Secretary To Lam and the leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh extended his respectful greetings, heartfelt regards, and best wishes to the distinguished guests.
Emphasizing that culture is the thread that connects people to people, connects nations to nations, and connects the world together, and that culture knows no borders, the Prime Minister stated that the First World Culture Festival in Hanoi is an event that connects Vietnam with the peoples of the world.
Thanking international friends for their presence at this inaugural festival, the Prime Minister emphasized that, despite initial difficulties, we have made great efforts and brought joy and opportunities for cultural enjoyment to everyone.
While joyfully welcoming the World Cultural Festival, the Prime Minister did not forget to pay special attention to and inform the delegates about the recent severe damage caused by storms and floods in Vietnamese provinces and cities, and the numerous difficulties that many people and localities are still struggling with.
Once again, the Prime Minister extends his deepest condolences and sympathy to those who have suffered losses of life and property due to natural disasters; and calls for contributions and solidarity from compatriots, comrades nationwide, and international friends to support those severely affected by the storms and floods caused by the aftermath of the storms.
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"; the Party has defined "culture as an intrinsic strength," and that culture possesses scientific, national, and popular characteristics.
Vietnam is concretizing the Party's guidelines to ensure that culture truly becomes an intrinsic strength, connecting people with each other and connecting economies with each other, including the development of the cultural and entertainment industries. The goal is for these industries to contribute to the internationalization of Vietnamese culture, rich in national identity, and the integration of world civilization into Vietnam; enabling the people not only to enjoy the culture of their own nation but also to enjoy the culture and civilization of the world.
The Prime Minister hopes that ministries, sectors, localities, especially countries with relations with Vietnam, specifically those currently having embassies in Hanoi and consulates in Vietnamese cities, will continue to support the World Culture Festival in Vietnam, so that it becomes an annual event.
Through this, we can continue to make culture not only possess intrinsic strength but also the strength of international solidarity and sharing, such as sharing with those suffering the consequences of climate change – a nationwide, comprehensive, and global issue that requires international solidarity, the promotion of multilateralism, and mutual assistance, including cultural ties.
International delegates attend the opening ceremony of the first World Cultural Festival in Hanoi. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)
Following Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's remarks, Jonathan Baker, Head of UNESCO's Representative Office in Vietnam, expressed deep sympathy for the areas of Vietnam affected by the recent natural disasters; affirming that in difficult times, culture reminds us of our roots, our resilience, and our compassion.
Affirming that the First World Cultural Festival in Hanoi is an opportunity for nations to share traditional values and innovative ideas, the UNESCO Delegation called on nations to work together to build a future where culture inspires, unites, and is resilient in the face of adversity and natural disasters.
Immediately following the Opening Ceremony will be a special art program themed "Colors of Vietnam - Rhythms of the World," featuring many famous domestic and international artists.
The performances were elaborately staged, combining traditional and modern art forms, interwoven with 3D mapping projections, showcasing the convergence of five continents in creative light and a spirit of unity.
Everything moves in three-dimensional space with the message: Culture is the bridge connecting humanity, creativity is the common language of the world.
The opening art program consists of three chapters, like a journey connecting traditional heritage to modernity and international integration.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visits the national cultural spaces of the countries participating in the Festival. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)
Chapter 1, themed "Melodies of Heritage," features folk songs and traditional music, showcasing the rich traditions that form the roots and unique cultural essence of Vietnam.
Chapter 2, themed "Modern Colors," portrays a youthful, creative, and integrated Vietnam – where new colors blend seamlessly with the rhythm of modern life.
Chapter 3, themed "Harmonizing the World," is about connecting and extending a welcoming hand to friends from all over the world to create a global "symphony," connecting hearts through music and art.
As part of the festival, from October 11-12, many unique cultural and artistic exchange activities will take place at Thang Long Imperial Citadel, making it an attractive destination for domestic and international tourists.
(VNA/Vietnam+)
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/thu-tuong-mong-muan-le-hoi-van-hoa-the-gioi-tai-ha-noi-se-la-hoat-dong-thuong-nien-post1069586.vnp