Vietnam promotes multilateral cooperation with UNESCO
Vietnam attaches importance to multilateral cooperation, including with UNESCO, in the challenging post-COVID-19 context, Deputy Foreign Minister and Chairman of the National Commission for UNESCO Ha Kim Ngoc said at the 216th session of the UNESCO Executive Board that was opened on May 15 in Paris, France.
Deputy Foreign Minister and Chairman of the National Commission for UNESCO Ha Kim Ngoc attends the 216th session of the UNESCO Executive Board. (Photo: VNA)
Paris (VNA)ꦺ – Vietnam attaches importance tomultilateral cooperation, including with UNESCO, in the challengingpost-COVID-19 context, Deputy Foreign Minister and Chairman of the NationalCommission for UNESCO Ha Kim Ngoc said at the 216th session of the UNESCO ExecutiveBoard that was opened on May 15 in Paris, France.
Speaking at the opening session, he said he appreciated efforts by the UNESCO Secretary-General and Director-General in mobilsingresources, promoting multi-dimensional approaches, effectively implementingactivities, and providing timely support for member countries in crisis.
Regarding the future direction, Ngoc suggestedappropriate resource allocation for two global priorities, Africa and genderequality; and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and youth.
🥂 He also affirmed Vietnam's commitment to promotingmultilateral cooperation and cohesion with UNESCO in fields of professionalcooperation.
Deputy Foreign Minister and Chairman of the National Commission for UNESCO Ha Kim Ngoc speaks at the event. (Photo:VNA)
Ngoc announced the organisation of an internationalconference on promoting the role of UNESCO titles for sustainable developmentin Vietnam in July 2023, with a view to turning UNESCO titles into support for sustainabledevelopment and inspiration for the future. On the sidelines of the 216th session of the UNESCOExecutive Council, Ngoc had meetings with UNESCO Director-General AudreyAzoulay, UNESCO Deputy Director General Xing Qu, and Assistant Director General for Priority Africa and External Relations Firmin Edouard Matoko to promote bilateralrelations between Vietnam and UNESCO. On this occasion, Ngoc will meet with World HeritageCenter Director Lazare Eloundou Assomo and ICOMOS General Director Marie LaureLavenir to discuss strengthening cooperation in the protection and promotion ofvalues of UNESCO-recognised heritages in Vietnam, as well as promote the country’sdossiers seeking UNESCO titles for Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Islands, YenTu - Vinh Nghiem - ConSon, Kiep Bac relic and landscape complex, and Oc Eo Ba The relic site. The official said that Vietnam has passedhalf of the term as a member of the UNESCO Executive Council. The country issaid to be an active and responsible member that has made contributions to UNESCO's activities. This is considered a great opportunity for Vietnam to meet the leaders of theSecretariat and interact with member countries to strengthen cooperation withUNESCO as well as promote bilateral connections with other nations in handling globaland bilateral issues. He said that currently, Vietnam has participated inalmost all of the most important mechanisms of UNESCO and the country has beenvery proactive, active, and responsible to contribute to the activities ofUNESCO mechanisms in general and the 216th session of theExecutive Council in particular. The 216th session of the Executive Council of UNESCO willtake place until May 25 in Paris with the participation of 58 member countriesand an agenda with nearly 50 topics on such fields as education, culture,science, human resources, management, and foreign relations. During thesession, discussions on the draft Programmes and Budget for the 2024-2025 period are expected to draw much attention as UNESCO’s current budget failsto cover the proposed programmes and activities./.
Looking back on the last 20 years since the adoption of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003, Vietnam can be proud of its achievements and active contributions to the implementation of this treaty, not only at the national but also global level, declared Ambassador Le Thi Hong Van, head of Vietnam’s delegation to UNESCO.
Vietnam has played an active role in implementing the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003 Convention) in both international and national scales, stated Chief of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Section of UNESCO and Secretary of the 2003 Convention Tim Curtis.
Domestic and international experts have acknowledged Hanoi’s activeness in implementing its initiatives and commitments as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, particularly the engagement of the entire community in creative activities.
The People's Committees of the northern provinces of Quang Ninh, Hai Duong and Bac Giang have agreed to consult leaders of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism about adding Bach Dang pile yard to the scientific dossier on the Complex of Yen Tu Monuments and Landscapes to seek UNESCO's recognition as world culture heritage.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
Deputy Foreign Minister and Chairman of the National Commission for UNESCO Ha Kim Ngoc attends the 216th session of the UNESCO Executive Board. (Photo: VNA) 
Deputy Foreign Minister and Chairman of the National Commission for UNESCO Ha Kim Ngoc speaks at the event. (Photo:VNA) 
