UNESCO’s adoption of the Resolution honouring and jointly commemorating the 300th birth anniversary of cultural figure Le Quy Don affirms the international community’s high regard for Viet Nam’s scientific, cultural, and educational values, as well as for the distinguished scholar himself.
Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Head of Viet Nam’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, emphasised that this was a momentous event and a great honour not only for Hung Yen Province but for the entire nation of Viet Nam.
Immediately after the Resolution was adopted, Member of the Standing Committee of the Hung Yen Provincial Party Committee and Head of the Provincial Party Committee’s Commission for Communication and Public Affairs Nguyen Van Chien, on behalf of the Party Committee, authorities, and people of Hung Yen–Le Quy Don’s homeland —expressed his gratitude to UNESCO and its member states for supporting the commemoration of the 300th birth anniversary of Le Quy Don. He also pledged to work closely with UNESCO and international partners to organise commemorative activities throughout 2026.
UNESCO’s decision to adopt the Resolution and join in celebrating the 300th birth anniversary of cultural figure Le Quy Don reaffirmed the world’s recognition of Viet Nam’s contributions to science, culture, and education, as well as of the scholar’s enduring legacy. The event also contributed to promoting Viet Nam’s and Hung Yen Province’s rich cultural history while advancing the province’s goal of fostering comprehensive cultural and human development based on the values of truth, goodness, and beauty — placing people at the centre of development policies in line with the Resolution of the 1st Congress of the Hung Yen Provincial Party Committee for the 2025–2030 tenure.
The adoption of a resolution by UNESCO and its member states to honour Viet Nam’s distinguished figures represents global recognition of ideals such as peace, social equality, and lifelong learning — values that Viet Nam shares with the international community. It also reflects UNESCO’s core objectives and highlights the beauty of the Vietnamese spirit and intellect.
This achievement resulted from close and sustained cooperation among Hung Yen Province with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the National Commission for UNESCO, along with Vietnamese and international scholars and experts.
Nomination dossiers for UNESCO recognition must meet the organisation’s rigorous criteria, particularly in demonstrating alignment with UNESCO’s ideals and mission across the fields of education, culture, science, and communication. Each nominated event or figure must also contribute to the promotion of peace, intercultural dialogue, and mutual understanding among peoples, while possessing broad influence and recognition both nationally and internationally.
Le Quy Don was born on August 2, 1726, and passed away on June 11, 1784, in Dien Ha Village, Dien Ha District, Son Nam Province (now Le Quy Don Commune, Hung Yen Province). His given name was Le Danh Phuong, courtesy name Doan Hau, and literary pseudonym Que Duong. He was a high-ranking mandarin under the Later Le dynasty, a scholar, poet, and one of Viet Nam’s most eminent intellectuals during the feudal era.
Le Quy Don authored more than 40 works, covering a vast range of subjects including history, culture, agriculture, astronomy, and geography. His renowned writings are considered encyclopaedic in nature.
In 2026, to mark the 300th anniversary of Le Quy Don’s birth, his hometown of Hung Yen will host a series of meaningful and educational events honouring the exceptional Vietnamese scholar’s contributions.
Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh stated that this occasion provides an opportunity to showcase to international friends the beauty of the Vietnamese soul and intellect, as well as the image of a dynamic and rapidly developing Viet Nam that continues to preserve its rich cultural traditions.
