Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai spoke at the opening ceremony of the photo exhibition. (Photo: VNA)

The photo exhibition co-organized by the Permanent Mission of Vietnam in Geneva and the UN Office in Geneva, attracting the participation of many Ambassadors, Heads of Delegations and representatives of countries, international organizations, as well as members of delegations from countries participating in the high-level event commemorating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai highlighted the importance of the photo exhibition, demonstrating the deep connection between human rights and the conservation and development of cultural and natural heritage. The exhibition is held at a time when the international community is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, looking back at the achievements and challenges in promoting human rights in recent times and committing to towards better ensuring human rights in the future.

Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai expressed her hope that through this photo exhibition, international friends will understand more about the reality and strong message about the culturally diverse country of Vietnam, where 54 ethnic groups live in harmony and solidarity. Cultural and natural heritages have been maintained and developed by the Vietnamese community over thousands of years of history of building and defending the country, including world heritage sites recognized by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Diverse cultural identities along with natural heritage are important resources of Vietnamese peoples, contributing to dynamic lives, promoting innovation and cultural industries, and realizing sustainable development goals.

Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai also emphasized Vietnam's proactive, positive, and responsible contribution to the work of the UN Human Rights Council as a member for the 2023-2025 term. The fact that Vietnam presided over the proposal and drafting of the Resolution on the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a typical example, which was approved by consensus at the 52nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council in February-March this year.

Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai introduced the content of the photos in the exhibition to international friends. (Photo: VNA)

At the photo exhibition, Director General of UNOG Tatiana Valovaya welcomed Vietnam for hosting this event. She affirmed that the UN focuses on promoting cultural diversity, seeing this as the foundation for peace, cooperation, and mutual understanding between countries, contributing to creating a more harmonious and prosperous world.

She also emphasized that preserving cultural heritage is urgent for future generations. Tangible and intangible heritage are invaluable resources that act as catalysts for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She also recalled her visit to Bat Trang pottery village in Hanoi, when she witnessed the importance of preserving and developing traditional pottery, a testament to the unique heritage of Vietnamese culture.

She also mentioned the active participation of Vietnamese women in efforts to preserve and develop cultural diversity as well as implement sustainable development goals. Tatiana Valovaya said that this exhibition includes many unique images, bringing a vivid view of the vibrant life of many different ethnic and religious communities in Vietnam. It reflects long-standing traditional cultural values ​​passed down through generations and highlights the development of unique identities within these communities, depicting the results of persistent preservation of the world's cultural heritage in Vietnam.

The photo exhibition "Cultural Colors: Natural and Cultural Heritage in Vietnam" is organized within the framework of the propaganda program on ethnicity and religion, aiming to enhance mutual understanding, dialogue, and cooperation, as well as commitments to common values ​​of human rights, peace, development, and happiness for everyone.

The exhibition was open to the public from December 10-12 at UN headquarters in Geneva.

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