Hanoi (VNA) - Through the proposed initiative, Vietnam sends a strong message to international friends about its aspiration to join hands in building a peaceful, prosperous and humane future for all humanity.
At the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Uzbekistan, member states agreed to adopt a draft resolution initiated by Vietnam, co-sponsored and supported by 71 countries.
The draft recommends that the UN General Assembly consider launching an “International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development” as soon as possible, prioritising the 2027–2036 period. The initative was highly regarded by the UNESCO’s Director-General and member states as timely and aligned with the organisation’s priorities.
On this occasion, Deputy Foreign Minister Ngo Le Van discussed the content and significance of the initiative.
A Vietnam–branded initiative
Van said the 43rd General Conference had adopted the resolution calling on the United Nations to launch the initiative, noting that it underscored culture’s essential role as the foundation of identity, a driver of innovation, and a pillar of sustainable development in responding to global challenges.
The resolution calls for a fundamental shift in awareness of culture’s role and urges action at all levels to mobilise resources, increase investment in heritage education, cultural and arts education, cultural industries and the creative economy linked to sustainable livelihoods.
It also highlights the need to enhance equal access to culture, intercultural dialogue, digital culture, the application of cultural knowledge in climate adaptation and environmental protection, and efforts towards a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
He noted that, nearly 40 years after the 1988–1997 World Decade for Cultural Development, this is the first time UNESCO has agreed to initiate a new decade centred on culture. If approved by the UN General Assembly, UNESCO will coordinate the 2027–2036 decade with relevant UN bodies and partners.
According to the Deputy Minister, the initiative reflects Vietnams policy of valuing culture, cultural diplomacy and international integration.
It underscores culture as a foundation, a source of internal strength and a major driver of sustainable social development, supporting the revitalisation of Vietnamese culture in a new era. It also highlights efforts to strengthen cultural diplomacy, promote Vietnamese cultural identity internationally and absorb global cultural values, contributing to human civilisation.
The initiative is said to rest on Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and multilateralisation, diversification, reflecting the country’s proactive and deeply integrated approach for the common good of the international community.
He added that the initiative demonstrates Vietnams proactive role in shaping global development priorities, in line with Resolution 59-NQ/TW.
Describing it as the largest initiative Vietnam has proposed at UNESCO in many years, he said it would mark a significant Vietnamese contribution, expressing the country’s commitment to working with the international community for a peaceful and humane future./.
