This is the first time since the Convention’s adoption that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.

The session held particular significance as it coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Convention’s adoption. Representatives from 157 countries and the European Union reviewed its implementation since 2005 and since the previous session in 2023.

Delegates also discussed ways to strengthen the Convention’s implementation, especially in harnessing the opportunities brought by rapid technological change and dealing with the challenges of safeguarding and promoting cultural diversity in the digital age. One key outcome was the consensus on the urgent need to revise and update the operational guidelines for implementing the Convention in digital environments, providing countries with a clearer roadmap for the future.

Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to UNESCO, and Dr. Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism-the national focal point for the 2005 Convention attended the session.

Speaking at the plenary meeting, Dr. Nguyen Phuong Hoa noted, “Adopted 20 years ago, UNESCO’s Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions represents a powerful act of collective will and international solidarity. Cultural expressions are central to identity and reflect the voices and aspirations of our communities. Cultural diversity is a shared heritage of humanity, which must be protected and promoted for current and future generations.”

She went on to highlight Vietnam’s efforts in cultural development, stating that national policies always put people at the center, foster a healthy cultural environment, nurture creativity, and ensure the cultural rights of all citizens. Culture, she affirmed, is one of the key pillars of sustainable development.

“We must do more to ensure that culture has a firm place in the global sustainable development agenda, particularly as the world moves toward a post-2030 framework,” she concluded.

Vietnam strengthens bilateral cooperation with UNESCO, its member states

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO Ha Kim Ngoc, has met with UNESCO officials and representatives from UNESCO member states to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation in world heritage preservation