The Role of Innovation and Creativity in Cultural Diplomacy

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The conference was held in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online participation, with the attendance of Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngọc, head of the Cultural Diplomacy Steering Committee, 94 Ambassadors and Heads of Vietnamese representative agencies abroad, and leaders of various functional units of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son chairs the conference to implement the 2024 Cultural Diplomacy agenda to promote the country's socio-economic development. (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

Five main goals of cultural diplomacy

Minister Bui Thanh Son noted that the world is facing a new, multipolar, multicentric, and multi-layered global context, where strategic competition is more intense, hotspots are more complex, and traditional and non-traditional security challenges are more evident. In this context, countries emphasize cultural diplomacy as an effective tool to reduce disagreements, enhance understanding, build trust, and promote cooperation.

The Minister also said that with the new position and strength of the country, and the demands in the new context, cultural diplomacy must be on par with political and economic diplomacy, thereby contributing to the successful implementation of foreign policies, serving the goal of rapid and sustainable socio-economic development of the country, while enhancing the national position and reputation.

The Minister emphasized five main goals of cultural diplomacy, including fostering trust, enhancing the national image and soft power; proactive and deep integration in cultural fields at regional and international organizations and forums; promoting and honoring cultural values, the beauty of the country, and the high moral qualities of the Vietnamese people; lobbying for UNESCO titles, contributing to making culture a latent strength for sustainable national development; and absorbing the cultural essence of humanity to contribute to building national values, cultural values, family values, and Vietnamese standards.

Continuous innovation and creativity in cultural diplomacy

Chairing the discussion, Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc suggested that the conference focus on two main issues. First, further integrating cultural diplomacy with political diplomacy, economic diplomacy, and the work of overseas Vietnamese. Second, innovating and creating in promoting cultural values, the image of the country, and the Vietnamese people, aiming for breakthroughs and changes in thinking about cultural diplomacy.

Ambassadors and Heads of Vietnamese representative agencies abroad participated online (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

At the conference, Vietnamese Ambassadors to the US, Japan, China, France, India, Russia, Italy, Brazil, Algeria, and South Africa, the Consul General of Vietnam in Sydney (Australia), the Head of the Vietnamese Delegation to the European Union (EU), and UNESCO, as well as units from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussed and shared many profound, enthusiastic proposals and opinions.

Regarding the implementation method, it should be focused, strategic, and long-term, with key cultural products, exploiting cultural similarities suitable to each location and audience.

Regarding content, it is necessary to strongly promote cultural values, traditions, heroic history, the spirit of peace, and the humanity of the Vietnamese people, especially through the image of President Ho Chi Minh and internationally recognized Vietnamese heroes and scholars.

Regarding cultural products, the focus should be on strengths such as the Vietnamese language, cuisine, martial arts, cinema, UNESCO-listed heritage, and regional cultural products, while knowing how to incorporate cultural stories to enhance appeal. In addition, the image of Vietnamese agencies abroad needs to be clarified, and virtual spaces need to be built.

Regarding resources, there needs to be adequate investment, and mechanisms to attract socialized resources. Simultaneously, training and fostering should continue so that every officer and citizen is a cultural ambassador.

Delegates also agreed that cultural diplomacy needs continuous innovation, creativity, and flexibility in implementation, and should enhance the application of science and technology to enrich the content and form of activities.

In his concluding remarks, Minister Bui Thanh Son outlined future tasks with nine main points, such as making significant changes in policy consultation and proposals; promoting and deepening relations in all aspects between Vietnam and other countries, territories, regional, and international organizations; strongly promoting the image of the country, culture, and people of Vietnam to the world; international integration, enhancing the position, and elevating multilateral diplomacy; selectively absorbing the essence of humanity; applying digital technology.

The Foreign Minister also requested preparations for the national conference to review three years of implementing the Cultural Diplomacy Strategy until 2030.

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