Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lam Thi Phuong Thanh addressed the closing ceremony, saying “For Vietnam, culture serves as the spiritual foundation of society and a goal, driving force, and resource for national development. Heritage preservation is not merely about safeguarding the past, it involves ensuring that heritage remains vibrant in contemporary life, continues to inspire creativity and generate new value, and is passed down to future generations.”
Themed "Converging Heritage – Shaping the Future," the festival brought together 50 nations, 45 cultural zones, 19 international performing arts troupes, 35 culinary stalls, and cinematic works from nearly 20 countries. A diverse array of activities spanning the arts, cinema, fashion, cuisine, and tourism created a colorful space for cultural exchange right in the heart of Hanoi.
The closing ceremony’s artistic program showcased the cultural richness of various nations and presented to the world an image of Vietnam as a country rich in identity, dynamic, creative, open, and well-connected.
The festival’s success holds special significance as Vietnam celebrates the 50th anniversary of its UNESCO membership.
Building on the success of the two editions, Vietnam aims to establish the World Cultural Festival in Hanoi as an annual event, position the capital as a hub for cultural convergence and exchange, and help to spread messages of respect for diversity, mutual understanding, friendship, and cooperation for peace and development.
