Minister Nguyen Van Hung: World Cultural Festival in Hanoi affirms the power of culture in connecting people with people

On the evening of October 12, at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage Center, the closing ceremony of the "First World Cultural Festival in Hanoi" took place.

Attending the closing ceremony were Party Central Committee member, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung; Alternate Party Central Committee member, Permanent Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Hai Binh; leaders of central departments, ministries and branches, Hanoi People's Committee, Ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, foreign cultural centers in Vietnam and a large number of people and international friends in Hanoi.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the first World Cultural Festival in Hanoi, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung emphasized that sustainable, creative and inclusive development has become the goal of many countries in the world, and Vietnam is no exception.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung delivered closing remarks.

The Vietnamese government has identified sustainable development based on cultural and human development as the foundation, and promoting foreign affairs and international integration as essential and regular. On the path to realizing that goal, a peaceful and stable environment and effective cooperation between countries and like-minded partners are very important.

The Vietnamese people are civilized and heroic with thousands of years of history, have a tradition of loving peace; always understand and act for stability and cooperation; always clearly perceive and consider preserving and promoting the value of cultural heritage, respecting and protecting nature as gratitude to tradition, ensuring the right to development of future generations, ensuring the rapid and sustainable development of the country.

The Vietnamese people also promote that mindset and bring that awareness into all activities and cooperation with other countries and partners. Vietnam is an active and responsible member of UNESCO, actively contributing to the success of international frameworks and activities, especially in creating, dialogue, and cooperation for peace and development.

Minister Nguyen Van Hung emphasized that the first World Cultural Festival in Vietnam is a vivid proof; originating from the initiative of Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly - Wife of General Secretary To Lam on organizing an international cultural event in the capital Hanoi - a place to honor the unique beauty of each country - affirming the power of culture in connecting people with people - and is a vivid picture of the Unity in Diversity of humanity.

With a sense of responsibility, positivity and urgency, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has presided over and coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hanoi City, and relevant agencies to prepare and solemnly organize the opening ceremony of the first World Cultural Festival at Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hanoi on October 10, 2025.

The opening ceremony was honored to welcome Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to attend and give a speech, with the participation of Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly - Wife of General Secretary To Lam, distinguished domestic and international guests, and a large number of people and tourists.

Minister Nguyen Van Hung said that the first World Cultural Festival in Hanoi, held from October 10-12, 2025, will have 48 countries and international organizations participating, with many unique cultural spaces and events, from the exhibition "Cultural Road", to the International Costume Show with the theme "Heritage Footsteps"/Ao Dai Festival, film screenings introducing art and culture, Book Festival, to activities introducing culinary arts of countries and 30 international art performances, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to visit and experience every day.

We have spent memorable days together, witnessing the wonderful exchange of cultures from around the world at the historic Thang Long Imperial Citadel - a world cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO - within the framework of the first World Cultural Festival; we have shared, learned and overcome all language and geographical barriers to get closer together; we have created a space to introduce and promote the diversity and richness of cultures; we have joined hands to contribute to maintaining international peace and security by strengthening cooperation between countries on culture in accordance with UNESCO's principles; we have affirmed the pioneering role of culture in promoting international cooperation and building a bridge of friendship between peoples, implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, bringing common prosperity to the international community.

Not only is it a meeting of friendship between cultures around the world, with the message "The world beats together with love", within the framework of the Festival, the Organizing Committee has carried out an auction and charity donation program with a total budget of 2.5 billion VND, in which all the funds raised will be transferred to localities in Vietnam that suffered damage due to floods, to support the reconstruction of houses, schools and civil works, support the reconstruction of people's lives; spreading a strong message of the spirit of sharing and resilience.

Art performance opening the closing ceremony

"On behalf of the Steering Committee and the Organizing Committee, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all of you - those who have contributed to making the Festival a great success and full of meaning, with the participation of hundreds of domestic and international artists, artisans, and cultural figures, and the love and support of millions of Vietnamese and international audiences attending in person as well as through online platforms and social networks.

I believe that, with the attention of the Vietnamese State, the love of culture and the desire to develop culture of the Vietnamese people, of Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly - Wife of General Secretary To Lam, and the enthusiastic support and participation of international partners, the World Cultural Festival in Hanoi in the next times will continue to leave a deep impression in the hearts of the Vietnamese people and international friends; make an important contribution to promoting cooperation, so that we can join hands to build a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainably developed future; and at the same time affirm the image of a safe, beautiful, culturally unique, humane, dynamic Vietnam that is deeply integrated with the world," Minister Nguyen Van Hung expressed.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/bo-truong-nguyen-van-hung-le-hoi-van-hoa-the-gioi-tai-ha-noi-khang-dinh-suc-manh-cua-van-hoa-trong-viec-ket-noi-con-nguoi-voi-con-nguoi-20251012204858925.htm