Throughout the year, a series of structural reforms and high-profile events highlighted the sector’s expanding role in economic growth, social cohesion and international integration.

Institutional reforms lay solid foundations

One of the most significant developments in 2025 was the strengthening of Vietnam’s legal and policy framework for culture. Amid rapid globalisation, digital transformation and the rise of the creative economy, authorities identified institutional reform as a prerequisite for sustainable cultural development.

The National Assembly passed several key laws, including the Law on Cultural Heritage, effective from July 1, 2025, along with revised versions of the Press Law and the Advertising Law, the latter set to take effect on January 1, 2026. The legislation aims to address regulatory gaps, modernise state management and expand creative space, particularly in the digital environment.

The revised Law on Cultural Heritage marked a shift in governance thinking, streamlining regulations and promoting the integration of conservation with development. The approach reflects a broader transition from direct cultural production to state-led governance and development facilitation, recognising culture as an important endogenous resource.

In parallel, the Prime Minister approved the Strategy for the Development of Vietnam’s Cultural Industries to 2030, with a vision to 2045. The strategy targets a contribution of around 9% of GDP from cultural industries, positioning them as a key economic pillar. The National Target Programme on Cultural Development for 2025–2035 was also rolled out, focusing on human capital, cultural values and high-quality arts and cultural training.

Major events reinforce national identity

Vietnam hosted a range of large-scale cultural, political and social events in 2025. A highlight was the National Achievement Exhibition themed “80 Years on the Journey of Independence, Freedom and Happiness,” which brought together 28 central ministries, 34 localities and more than 110 businesses.

The exhibition showcased achievements across nearly 180 sectors and attracted an estimated 10 million visitors, serving as a platform linking cultural values with socio-economic development.

Other events, such as the first Autumn Fair and the “Vietnam Happy Fest,” combined cultural promotion with economic activities, contributing to the international image of Vietnam as a peaceful, creative and people-centred nation.

The year also marked the 100th anniversary of Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press and the 80th anniversary of the cultural sector. Speaking at commemorative ceremonies, Party General Secretary To Lam stressed the pioneering role of the press on the ideological and cultural front, and reaffirmed that culture must permeate all aspects of social life, serving both as a driver and an objective of national development.

Large-scale performances capture public attention

A notable trend in 2025 was the popularity of large-scale political and artistic programmes, often described as “national concerts.” Shows such as Vietnam in Me, 80 Years on the Journey of Independence, Freedom and Happiness, V Concert – Radiant Vietnam and The Fatherland in Our Hearts drew wide public interest.

These performances promoted national pride, bridged generational divides and reinforced shared aspirations for national development.

Vietnamese music also gained international exposure when singer Duc Phuc and other Vietnamese artists won first prize at the Intervision 2025 international music competition in Russia. The event attracted extensive media coverage and global online engagement.

Vietnam’s soft power gains international recognition

Vietnam made further progress in strengthening its cultural soft power in 2025, with several heritage elements recognised by UNESCO, including in categories where Vietnam was represented for the first time.

Among them were the Yen Tu–Vinh Nghiem–Con Son, Kiep Bac complex, recognised as a World Heritage site; the Phong Nha–Ke Bang–Hin Nam No transboundary natural heritage site; the archival collection of composer Hoang Van, inscribed in the Memory of the World Register; and Dong Ho folk woodblock printing, listed as intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding.

In addition, Lang Son Geopark was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark, Ho Chi Minh City was recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Film, and Hanoi was named a UNESCO Learning City.

Notably, Vietnam proposed and secured approval from the UNESCO General Conference for the initiative on an “International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development,” further reinforcing the country’s role and responsibility in promoting culture as a driver of peace and sustainable development globally.

Overall, the picture of Vietnamese culture in 2025 appeared bright and vibrant, with many distinct highlights. It was a year of fundamental policy decisions, large-scale cultural events, a strong spread of soft power, and the aspiration to make culture a driving force for national development.

The achievements made in 2025 will lay the foundation for a new phase of development, where culture truly becomes the spiritual foundation, intrinsic strength, and sustainable driving force for Vietnam to thrive in the era of integration.

Culture must be Vietnam’s strength, people’s spiritual foundation: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has emphasised that the culture, sports, and tourism sector must embrace innovative mindset and decisive action to achieve tangible results, creating a vibrant space for development in the new era and positioning culture as both intrinsic strength of the nation.