Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaking at the festival. Photo: VOV5/Le Chi

At the opening ceremony at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long on Friday evening, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said Vietnam identifies culture as the internal strength and the spiritual foundation of the people. He expressed his hope that countries will continue to respond to the annual Cultures of the World Festival. 

“We make culture an endogenous strength and also a link to the strength of international solidarity in the face of natural disasters and the consequences of climate change that are affecting us nationally and globally. We ask for international solidarity and promote multilateralism and mutual assistance, including the cultural bond.”

Delegates perform the opening ceremony of the first Cultures of the World Festival in Hanoi. Photo: VOV5/Le Chi

The Prime Minister thanked Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of Party General Secretary To Lam, for her good idea, which was responded to by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and diplomatic agencies in Vietnam.

This has contributed to creating a world cultural festival for people’s enjoyment and remembering the people who are suffering the consequences of natural disasters. The festival’s program demonstrates a culture imbued with national identity, the culture of sharing, of helping each other, and of "national love, compatriots' affection", PM Chinh said.

International delegates attend the opening ceremony. Photo: VOV5/Le Chi

UNESCO Chief Representative in Vietnam Jonathan Baker extended his deep sympathy for natural disasters-hit areas in Vietnam, saying that in difficult times, culture reminds us of our roots, resilience and compassion.

The first Cultures of the World Festival in Hanoi is an opportunity for countries to share traditional values and innovation, the UNESCO Chief Representative added and called on nations to work together to build a future where culture inspires, unites, and is resilient in the face of adversity and natural disasters.

Special art program themed "Colors of Vietnam - Rhythm of the World". Photo: VOV5/Le Chi

The opening ceremony was followed by a special art program themed “Colors of Vietnam - Rhythm of the World”, involving domestic and international artists. The festival will close on Sunday at Thang Long Imperial Citadel.