The event attracted strong interest from representatives of the World Federation of UNESCO Associations (WFUCA), along with experts, scholars and policymakers.
Held as part of activities marking UNESCO’s 80th founding anniversary (1945–2025) and ahead of the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam’s membership of the organisation (1976–2026), the event underscored Viet Nam’s proactive role and status within the global cultural cooperation framework.
Participants discussed pressing and strategic issues, including the role of UNESCO’s ethos in safeguarding cultural heritage, new opportunities for creative cultural industries, and practical contributions towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Delivering a message of greetings on behalf of WFUCA President Bolat Akchulakov, Lianggeng Dong, Standing Member of the WFUCA Secretariat, praised Viet Nam as one of the organisation’s most active and dedicated members. He described Viet Nam’s initiatives as exemplary models of commitment and innovation within WFUCA’s framework.
He further underlined the importance of the conference in strengthening international cooperation in heritage preservation, fostering drivers of innovation and sustainable development, and advancing practical solutions for the protection of the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
Akchulakov also commended VFUA’s leadership in hosting the conference, affirming the relevance and value of UNESCO’s principles in addressing contemporary global challenges.
Speaking at the event, Tran Van Manh, Executive Vice President and Secretary-General of VFUA, noted that the conference provided an opportunity to share best practices, from the use of digital technologies in heritage conservation to initiatives that cultivate creative cultural industries through communication platforms.
He reaffirmed UNESCO’s core mission: to build peace in the minds of people through knowledge, dialogue and culture.
A highlight of the programme was the presentation of the ‘Ao dai’ (Vietnamese long dress) collection named “Lua” (Rice) by designer Le Thanh Danh, performed by members of the Vietnamese Women’s Association in Europe. Inspired by golden ripened rice and the traditional conical hat, the collection conveyed the cultural values deeply rooted in the lives of Vietnamese people.
Delegates widely agreed that heritage is not only something to be safeguarded but also a foundation for cultural creativity, an economic growth driver, and a factor that contributes to national identity in the context of globalisation.
The conference reaffirmed Viet Nam’s proactive role in heritage conservation and cultural industry development, demonstrating how heritage can be transformed into a resource to advance sustainable development goals and help shape the future.
