The 43rd session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Council (UN UNESCO) held in Uzbekistan from October 30 to November 13 has just passed a Resolution proposing that the United Nations consider launching the International Decade for Culture for Sustainable Development under the initiative of Vietnam, with the co-sponsorship of 71 countries.
After nearly 40 years since the International Decade for Cultural Development 1988-1997, this is the first time UNESCO has agreed to initiate a new International Decade associated with culture. The initiative is highly appreciated by the Director General of UNESCO as well as member countries because it is in line with UNESCO's strategy and current general attention, promoting UNESCO's pioneering role in making culture an independent pillar contributing to sustainable development in each country and globally, a driving force for maintaining peace, promoting creative industries, protecting cultural diversity and inclusive economic growth, and connecting society.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van said that the initiative is a concrete step to contribute to the implementation of the Party and State's policies and guidelines on promoting culture, cultural diplomacy and international integration in the new situation.
Accordingly, emphasizing culture as the foundation, resources, endogenous strength and a great driving force, a system regulating sustainable social development, promoting the shaking and development of Vietnamese culture in the new era, focusing on promoting and elevating cultural diplomacy, internationalising culture with strong Vietnamese national identity and nationalising world civilization into Vietnam, contributing to human civilization.
The initiative is proposed and implemented on the solid foundation of the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification, demonstrating Vietnam's proactive, positive thinking and deep integration for the common interests of the international community.
This is the first and largest initiative that Vietnam has initiated at UNESCO since many years of participating in the Organization. If approved by the United Nations, this will not only be a strategically significant contribution of Vietnam to UNESCO, affirming UNESCO's leading role in the cultural field, but also an initiative that bears Vietnam's mark at the global level, demonstrating the efforts and commitment to join hands with the international community to create a peaceful and prosperous future for humanity.
The Deputy Minister said that in the coming time, Vietnam and the co-sponsoring countries will continue to submit the Resolution to the United Nations General Assembly for consideration and official approval, in order to soon launch the International Decade for Culture for Sustainable Development for the period 2027-2036. UNESCO will be the leading organization in implementing and coordinating with other relevant organizations in the United Nations system and other partners.
Also at the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Assembly, Vietnam was re-elected by member states as Vice President of the Session. With this responsibility, Vietnam continues to simultaneously take on the role in 6 key operating mechanisms of UNESCO: Vice President and member of the 2005 Convention Intergovernmental Committee on the Protection and Promotion of the diversity of Cultural Expressions, Vice President and member of the 2003 Convention Intergovernmental Committee on the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage; member of the World Heritage Committee and Vice President of the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Assembly.
Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van affirmed that Vietnam's participation as Vice President is an opportunity for Vietnam to have the opportunity to take advantage of UNESCO's knowledge, ideas and initiatives to implement strategic resolutions, serving the cause of building and developing the country in the era of prosperity and prosperity.
