National Commission for UNESCO helps improve Vietnam’s international profile

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh

Since its establishment 40 years ago, the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO has been a key player in enhancing cooperation between Vietnam and UNESCO. It has coordinated activities to help Vietnam obtain UNESCO’s technical and financial support and has made cultural diplomacy one of Vietnam’s key foreign policies.

Cultural link

Last year the Commission organized several big events, such as a 40th founding anniversary celebration, 30 years of a UNESCO resolution honoring President Ho Chi Minh, and an electoral campaign for the post of UNESCO General Director. Vietnam won UNESCO recognition as an intangible cultural heritage for Xoan Singing in Phu Tho province and Bai Choi Singing in Vietnam’s central region, raising the number of world intangible cultural heritages in Vietnam to 12.

Ha Ke San, Vice Chairman of Phu Tho province’s People’s Committee, said: “UNESCO’s recognition of Xoan Singing has motivated the community to protect and promote heritage values. We have worked with Xoan artists to revitalize the traditional folk genre through performances and training classes for young people.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh praised efforts to boost cultural diplomacy. “The Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO has excelled in promoting Vietnam’s history, culture, and people to the world and helped increase Vietnam’s soft power internationally. Their activities have inspired national pride, patriotism, a desire to soar to a brighter future, and a determination to gain greater results in socio-economy, science and technology, and cultural preservation”, said Mr Minh.

Foreign friends introduced to Vietnam values

A resolution of the 12th National Party Congress orients Vietnam’s culture and people towards the true, the good, and the beautiful, in their development of national spirit, democracy, humanity, and science.

The Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO will continue to promote Vietnam’s tangible and intangible values, and work with UENSCO in the cause of promoting humane values in every sphere.