Fulcrum to reach out
At one time, Hanoi was called the "city of bee-hive coal stoves", but now, it has transformed into a modern capital city. The elevated highways, grand boulevards, and urban rail systems all define a vibrant city. Each historical period requires a development philosophy. Today, the nation has accumulated enough strength to step into an era of growth and prosperity. Within the nation's collective progress, each locality must choose a path suited to its own conditions.
Is there any place on this land with a thousand years of civilisation that does not preserve traces of the past? Along Hoang Dieu Street, there is a sacred mark of the ancient Thang Long Citadel; riding the Nhon-Hanoi train, one can see the old lands of Ke Dien and Ke Vong. Tu Lien Bridge, which is expected to begin construction in the second half of 2025, will connect the legendary regions of Tay Ho and Co Loa. Hanoi has been bestowed with many titles, but the name "Thousand-year civilisation Capital City" always occupies the top position. Looking back at the city's development, it can be seen that the era of Hanoi's rise originates from the inheritance and promotion of thousand-year-old values.
In July 1999, Hanoi was awarded the title of "City for Peace" by UNESCO. One of the four pillars of a "City for Peace" is the development of culture and education. This title is an international recognition of the city's efforts in preserving and promoting cultural values, as well as building the cultural life of the city. Twenty years after receiving the title, in 2019, Hanoi joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of design. This membership reflects a new mindset and a new vision. One of the goals of creative cities is to creatively utilise cultural resources to develop sustainable urban areas. These activities, along with the transformation in the city's economic structure, show Hanoi's gradual shift in focus.
Hanoi is focusing on economic development based on services, trade, and tourism, while in industry, emphasis is placed on green technology and high-tech industries. Every activity is based on the overarching perspective that culture is an important driver for ensuring sustainable development.
Soft power from identity
The 4.0 era is not without its drawbacks. The "flat world" makes it easy for people to assimilate and blend in. In such a "flat world", identity not only creates distinction but also generates attraction.
Talking about Hanoi means referring to the capital of heritage, the ancient Imperial Citadel, the quiet Old Quarter, and streets and villages steeped in historic legends, home to 5,922 monuments, and 1,793 intangible cultural heritage sites. In 2022, the Hanoi Municipal Party Committee issued Resolution No.09/TU-NQ on the Development of Cultural Industries for the 2021-2025 period, with a vision toward 2030 and orientation until 2045. Cultural industries are not merely about exploiting cultural values for development, but also about affirming identity, creating a new identity from traditional culture, and building cultural soft power. When cultural soft power is strengthened, the city’s status will be elevated. In the final days of 2024, the Hanoi Creative Design Festival, organised as part of the city’s efforts, offered an example of how to create a new identity. It does so by incorporating famous architectural heritage sites in Hanoi, such as the Hanoi Opera House, the National History Museum, and the University of Hanoi building, with new functions that are linked to cultural and creative activities.
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The Creative Design Festival 2024 has proven that Hanoi is a creative city with many creative communities across various fields. Photo: Huyen Thuong. |
However, position and attraction are only necessary conditions. To thrive in the new era and become a creative city that is connected globally, Hanoi needs improvements in its institutional framework, mechanisms, infrastructure, human resources, and the development of a smart city. Hanoi has been gradually implementing these tasks. In 2025, the city plans to initiate the construction of three major bridges — Tu Liên, Tran Hung Dao, and Ngoc Hoi — as well as many other important infrastructure projects. The development of digital governance and smart city initiatives is always a priority. In December 2022, the Hanoi Municipal Party Committee issued Resolution No.18 on Digital Transformation, with the goal of making Hanoi a smart city by 2025, with a vision toward 2030. Recently, the iHanoi app, which is designed to engage with citizens, reached over a million downloads, making daily life more convenient and providing a "highway" for citizens to interact with the government.
In terms of institutional development, on the first day of 2025, the revised Capital Law officially comes into effect; two new master plans for Hanoi are set to be approved. 2025 also marks the year of the 18th Congress of the Hanoi Party Committee. The theme of the Congress is expected to be: "Promoting the glorious spirit of Thang Long-Hanoi, the tradition of thousand-year-old civilisation and heroism; the spirit of integration, innovation, and breakthroughs in development; building a clean, strong, exemplary, and united Party Committee and political system, striving to build a civilised, modern, and happy capital." This theme encapsulates the development directions for the capital in the upcoming period. Based on the achievements already accomplished, this will serve as a solid "springboard" for Hanoi and the entire nation to enter the era of nation’s rise.
Hanoi strives to become a smart city by 2030, gradually connecting with the smart city network in the region and globally. The level of digitisation of administrative procedures for businesses and citizens has been steadily increasing.
