Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, speaks at the launch event. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Hanoi (VNA) – The British Council, the UK’s international organization for educational opportunities and cultural relations, on June 14th announced the UK/Vietnam Season 2023, a series of programmes running from June through December that showcase and celebrate educational and cultural exchange and collaboration between the two countries.
The programming is part of activities to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the UK, as well as the British Council’s 30-year anniversary in Vietnam.
The UK/Vietnam Season, themed on both Climate and the Environment and Shared Heritage, will bring together thought leaders, academics, educators, entrepreneurs, and artists from various organisations in the UK and Vietnam to share experiences, and discuss collaborations in the areas of arts and culture, education, and the English language.
Around 200 dignitaries and stakeholders attended the opening ceremony of the UK/Vietnam Season at the Vietnam National Museum of History in Hanoi. The launch highlighted the role of the British Council as a partner of choice and a leading advocate for the arts and education in Vietnam, focused on environmental sustainability, digital heritage, and inclusive growth. At the event, some of the most innovative and creative work from UK and Vietnamese artists and organisations were showcased.
“We are delighted to bring our exciting collaboration to Vietnam in celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Vietnam and the 30th anniversary of the British Council here in 2023. We hope that the UK/Vietnam Season will deepen the UK’s relations with Vietnam and provide an opportunity for people from both countries to strengthen existing bonds and forge new creative partnerships in English, Education, and Arts and Culture – areas that we believe have the power to unite people around the world,” said Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council.
Tackling climate change is a key theme of the UK/Vietnam Season and a shared priority for the citizens and governments of both the UK and Vietnam. In collaboration with top universities and organisations from both countries, the UK/Vietnam Season will host hackathons, residencies, symposiums, and digital exhibitions to introduce and showcase innovative and creative solutions to addressing climate change – such as an illustrative exploration of our endangered natural habitat through the perceptive eyes of children that raise awareness on protecting our planet and shaping a better, more livable environment for the future.
Another key theme of the UK/Vietnam Season is shared heritage, where participants will share, reflect, and explore UK and Vietnam ties through cultural heritage in all forms. The Season will feature diverse programmes that showcase the richness of the special relationship between the two countries, including one-of-a-kind major music festival performances that promise a sonic journey into the heart of residents from Hue to Manchester.
Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Councilwitnesses the signing of a cooperation deal by Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director General, International Cooperation Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Donna McGowan, Director of British Council Vietnam. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Within the framework of the UK/Vietnam Season, continued cooperation between the British Council in Vietnam and the government has also been fostered through the MOU signing between the British Council and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The MOU will enable both parties to engage in mutually beneficial cooperation in the arts, heritage sector, and cultural and creative industries, and reinforce the shared vision of supporting UK – Vietnamese collaborations and partnerships and strengthening connections between the people of Vietnam and the UK.
Donna McGowan, Director of British Council Vietnam, said that the British Council has witnessed Vietnam flourish over the past 30 years, and it will continue to contribute to the development of its English proficiency, education, and arts and culture.
By bringing together experts from the UK and Vietnam to discuss and help create a more sustainable world, participants of the programmes can learn and raise their voice on some of the most important challenges facing the planet and how to nurture cultural heritage from shared histories.
The UK/Vietnam Season 2023 programme furthers the British Council’s mission to foster discussions, cooperation, and initiatives around key issues to strengthen the development of the UK-Vietnam partnership and ignite a brighter future ahead. By providing a foundation for the creation of lasting partnerships, the UK/Vietnam Season will connect ideas and experiences from Vietnam and the UK, giving a platform for conversations on shared challenges, she added.
Mong Xanh ethnic women receive support from the British Council to promote their culture. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Meanwhile, Nguyen Thi Phuong Hoa, General Director of the International Cooperation Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the British Council and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism have worked closely for years to strengthen relations between the UK and Vietnam and develop capabilities in arts and culture.
“Our cultural heritage is an important source of creativity and innovation, and we are committed to nurturing new initiatives and works inspired by our shared heritage. By creating contemporary dialogues and stimulating new narratives, we can draw inspiration from our shared histories and forge a stronger bond between our countries,” she said.
The UK/Vietnam Season celebrates the long-standing relationship between Vietnam and the UK and promises to build new connections and create a shared future for the next generation, she stressed./.
