(VOVworld) – Vietnam celebrated the 2015 World Radio Day in Hanoi on Tuesday. This year’s theme "Youth and Radio" calls for greater social inclusion of the generation under 30 years old, which accounts for more than half of the world’s population, for radio.

VOV Director General Nguyen Dang Tien in his address at the ceremony

VOV President Nguyen Dang Tien said that as a national broadcaster, Voice of Vietnam has become a multi-media group. He notes: “World Radio Day is a forum to boost cooperation and links among radio stations around the globe, increase information access and communications development. This year’s event offers an opportunity for the youth to exchange ideas, develop initiatives, refresh mindsets, and create fresh contents for radio.”

Attending the celebration, Katherine Muller-Marin, UNESCO chief representative in Vietnam, said radio is a close friend, a source of educational information for listeners, especially young people. She said: “as you still have a particularly large proportion of radio listeners, we need to ensure to continue embracing radio enthusiastically as ever. Radio is the media for those including young people, now as listeners, active producers, and creators of content. Radio can serve to generate love for the nation, caring for the culture and respect for their society. We must use this major opportunity to empower young generations with the ability to get involved in contributing to the society.”

Katherine Muller-Marin, UNESCO chief representative in Vietnam

Katherine underlined the role of radio in helping the society in its transition, particularly in the future when Vietnam is to join the ASEAN Economic Community. At that time radio will assist Vietnam to share common values and vision while it can preserve its own cultural identities.

On this occasion President Tien presented a medal for the cause of radio for Ms. Katherine Muller-Marin in recognition of her contributions to radio development.