Explore Vietnam's UNESCO Heritage in Motion Pictures
	Vietnam Prepares for a Dynamic Year at UNESCO in 2025

On April 7, the 221st session of the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) opened in Paris, France, with the participation of 58 member states and over 100 observer countries. The session, held from April 7 to 17, focuses on strategic topics and future directions for UNESCO's activities, as well as steps for selecting candidates for the position of Director-General.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van delivers a speech at the opening session of the meeting. (Photo: UNESCO)

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van led the Vietnamese delegation and delivered a keynote speech at the opening session.

Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van emphasized that the world is currently undergoing an era-defining transformation, facing numerous challenges to peace, security, and sustainable development. In this context, UNESCO’s mission to “build peace in the minds of men and women” is more urgent than ever.

On the occasion of UNESCO’s 80th anniversary, a milestone affirming the Organization's long-term vision and values, the Deputy Minister commended the leadership of the Director-General and the efforts of the UNESCO Secretariat in realizing this mission. He affirmed Vietnam’s continued role as a reliable and responsible partner, actively contributing to UNESCO’s programs and shared goals—echoing the message emphasized by General Secretary To Lam during his official visit to UNESCO on October 7, 2024.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van and members of the working delegation at the session. (Photo: UNESCO)

The head of the Vietnamese delegation also proposed that UNESCO continue to strengthen its leadership role in key cooperation pillars: education, culture, and science.

Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van highlighted the importance of lifelong learning and shared Vietnam’s recognition of education as the key to fulfilling its development aspirations in the new era. He proposed that UNESCO enhance support for countries in building inclusive education systems and cited Vietnam’s policy to waive tuition fees for public school students from the 2025–2026 academic year as a strong investment in the future.

In terms of culture, he called for the promotion of intercultural dialogue, the development of creative industries, and the protection of cultural diversity. On science, he welcomed efforts to finalize legal frameworks for AI, promote science diplomacy, strengthen cooperation in science and technology, and govern emerging technologies. He also noted that the Vietnamese Government has issued a resolution identifying breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as top national priorities.

Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van speaks with heads of delegations from several countries. (Photo: UNESCO)

On this occasion, the Deputy Minister and provincial leaders from Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, Hai Duong, Thai Binh, Bac Ninh, and Hanoi held meetings with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, Deputy Director-General Xing Qu, Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone, and heads of delegations from various countries to advance bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van and local leaders meet with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. (Photo: UNESCO)

Director-General Audrey Azoulay and UNESCO leaders expressed great appreciation and admiration for the success and significance of General Secretary To Lam’s historic and impactful visit to UNESCO in October 2024, which elevated the Vietnam–UNESCO partnership to a new level. She praised Vietnam as a model of “comprehensive, substantive, and effective” cooperation with UNESCO and affirmed that Vietnam is one of the Organization’s most active members.

Meeting with UNESCO Deputy Director-General Xing Qu. (Photo: Working delegation)

UNESCO leaders and member state delegations highly valued the strong, effective, and nearly half-century-long partnership between Vietnam and UNESCO, recognizing Vietnam’s practical, responsible, and increasingly impactful contributions—especially in its roles within UNESCO’s key governing bodies. Many considered Vietnam a model for balancing cultural heritage preservation with sustainable economic development.

Meeting with UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone. (Photo: Working delegation)

Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van and relevant provincial leaders also held working sessions with Lazare Assomo, Director of the World Heritage Centre; Maria-Laure Lavenir, Director-General of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS); and members of the World Heritage Committee to enhance cooperation in preserving and promoting Vietnam’s world heritage sites.

Discussions focused on implementing decisions from the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, particularly regarding the Thang Long Imperial Citadel dossier, and introducing the outstanding cultural and natural values of the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex, which is expected to be considered at the 47th session in July 2025.

Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van and leaders of Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, Hai Duong, and Hanoi meet with World Heritage Centre Director Lazare Assomo. (Photo: Working delegation)

With a spirit of proactive and responsible contribution to safeguarding and promoting humanity’s cultural heritage, Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van urged UNESCO leaders, its Secretariat, and member states to support and advise on new Vietnamese heritage nominations.

These include sites deeply rooted in Vietnam’s history, culture, and identity such as: the Yen Tu–Vinh Nghiem–Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex; the Oc Eo - Ba The Archaeological Site; Con Moong Cave; Cu Chi Tunnels; Co Loa Ancient Citadel; Dong Ho Folk Paintings; Cheo Art; Mo Muong chanting; Binh Dinh Martial Arts; Ho Chi Minh City’s membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network; and historical figure Le Quy Don.

UNESCO leaders and member countries expressed readiness to provide technical support and facilitate the review process for Vietnam’s nominations, helping to spread the enduring human values of these heritages.

Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van and leaders of Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, Hai Duong, and Hanoi meet with ICOMOS Director-General Maria-Laure Lavenir. (Photo: Working delegation)

On this occasion, Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van conveyed an invitation from Standing Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu, Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, inviting Director-General Audrey Azoulay and World Heritage Centre Director Lazare Assomo to officially visit Vietnam.

The UNESCO Executive Board session will continue until April 17, covering a broad agenda that spans education, culture, science, human resources, management, and external relations. Vietnam's proposed items for consideration include the inclusion of “The Collection of Musician Hoang Van” in the Memory of the World Register and a recommendation for the 43rd UNESCO General Conference to adopt a resolution commemorating the 300th birthday of scholar Le Quy Don.

The UNESCO Executive Board session takes place from April 7 to 17. (Photo: UNESCO)

Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, the Bac Ninh Provincial People’s Committee, and the Vietnamese Delegation to UNESCO organized an event titled “Vietnam – Cultural Essence and Aspirations to Rise” on April 9 at UNESCO Headquarters.

The event aimed to showcase the cultural richness of Kinh Bac and present an image of a dynamic, rising Vietnam—celebrating 80 years of independence and more than 40 years of Renovation (Doi Moi), confidently entering a new era of prosperity and meaningful contributions to global politics, the international economy, and human civilization.

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