(VOVWORLD) - In 1976, Vietnam joined UNESCO and set up a National UNESCO Committee to promote its cooperation with the organization one year later. For 44 years, Vietnam has worked closely with UNESCO and UNESCO members to promote peace, development, solidarity and cooperation between nations and protect cultural values.
 UNESCO Chief Representative in Vietnam Micheal Croft |
UNESCO is one of the principal organizations of the UN. Its ultimate goal is to achieve international peace and prosperity through international cooperation in education, science, and culture. UNESCO, through its cooperation activities, has promoted a culture of compassion, reason, and respect for diversity.
Vietnam, a responsible member of UNESCO
Over the past 44 years, Vietnam has proven to be a responsible member of UNESCO and promoted its image as a dynamic and culture-embraced country. UNESCO Chief Representative in Vietnam Michael Croft said Vietnam represents UNESCO’s values of solidarity, tolerance, diversity, and harmony: "In 1976, Vietnam was a different country - a country was newly unified but very much battered by decades of war. Despite its success on the battlefield, during the struggle for independence and freedom, the real victory for Vietnam was the victory of culture and peace and in that Vietnam itself represents the UNESCO values of solidarity, of tolerance, of inclusion, and of harmony."
Vietnam boasts rich treasures of natural and cultural heritages. It now has 24 world tangible and intangible cultural heritages and natural heritages recognized by UNESCO. In the context of the 4th Industrial Revolution, countries like Vietnam need to preserve their heritages and promote modern culture at the same time, according to Mr. Michael Croft: "It's hard to think of a country which does more to support and promote its cultural heritage than Vietnam. Vietnam has a rich tradition of cultural heritage. Vietnam also has a rich tradition of contemporary culture as well. So we believe that this is the time for a new culture resonance in the country so that moving forward not only that the country has rich cultural heritage but a country that promotes new culture, new cultural products, new cultural practices, and new culture industries which reflect also the modern Vietnam, the innovated Vietnam, the talented Vietnam, the Vietnam with things are not just made but things are designed."
UNESCO-Vietnam cooperation
Digital technology is creating challenges and opportunities for UNESCO that requires the organization and its members to change their strategy. Vietnam is included in UNESCO’s cooperation strategy in the 2020-2021 period.
UNESCO is working to make Hanoi a creative 21st century city with a vision that reflects Vietnam’s aspiration to become a dynamic and creative country.
As ASEAN Chair for 2020, Vietnam has authored several initiatives and cooperation programs that contribute to UNESCO’s activities. ASEAN has organized seminars on sustainable tourism development, human resource development for the 4th Industrial Revolution, and inter-parliamentary cooperation for the sustainable development of ASEAN. Vietnam has coordinated ASEAN member countries in implementing the UNESCO agenda. All these activities demonstrate close cooperation between Vietnam and UNESCO and ASEAN and UNESCO.