In its statement dated January 28, UNESCO says the Resolution issued by the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam represents a significant shift in development thinking, recognising culture not merely as a supporting sector but as one of four equal pillars of sustainable development, alongside the economy, society and the environment. This approach, UNESCO notes, aligns with its own vision and ongoing efforts to promote culture as a standalone Sustainable Development Goal in the global development agenda beyond 2030.

UNESCO highlights that the resolution was issued ahead of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, a major milestone shaping the country’s development vision to 2045 and its socio-economic development strategy to 2030. This demonstrates, according to UNESCO, the clear integration of international commitments into Vietnam’s strategic policymaking.

The organisation says the Resolution provides a policy roadmap for structural transformation in the cultural sector, aimed at mobilising social resources, fostering the creative economy and safeguarding cultural diversity. It also builds on Vietnam’s long-standing tradition of valuing culture while offering a policy framework to address the challenges and opportunities of the digital era and an increasingly complex global environment.

Against the backdrop of rising geopolitical uncertainties, UNESCO welcomes Vietnam’s identification of culture as a “regulatory compass” for rapid and sustainable development, contributing to global efforts to strengthen peace and promote dialogue and connectivity among cultures. UNESCO reaffirms its commitment to continue working with Vietnam to realise this vision.

Commenting on UNESCO’s message, Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Head of Vietnam’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, said the organisation’s positive assessment reflects its high regard for Vietnam’s new cultural policies as well as the country’s growing role, standing and credibility within UNESCO.

She added that UNESCO recognises Vietnam’s active contributions to promoting intercultural dialogue, safeguarding cultural heritage and protecting cultural diversity, as well as Vietnam’s proactive initiatives, including a resolution proposed by Vietnam and adopted by the UNESCO General Conference in November 2025, recommending that the United Nations General Assembly consider launching an “International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development.”

Resolution 80: Culture as guiding force shaping national sustainable development

Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW of the Politburo on the development of Vietnamese culture demonstrates the Party’s political determination to truly make culture a solid foundation, an important endogenous resource, a powerful driving force, a key pillar and a regulating system for the country’s rapid, sustainable development.