On the afternoon of September 26, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST), in coordination with the Hanoi People's Committee and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held a press conference to introduce the inaugural World Cultural Festival in Hanoi.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Hai Binh emphasized that the festival is a significant initiative to honor and promote the foundational role of culture in sustainable development. He stated that the festival aims to serve as a bridge connecting nations and peoples in overcoming contemporary challenges such as conflict, pandemics, and climate change, while advancing peace and shared prosperity.

In response to media inquiries about what aspects of Vietnamese culture would be highlighted at the World Cultural Festival in Hanoi, Deputy Minister Le Hai Binh said the organizing committee had carefully deliberated the selection process, noting that each art form carries its own unique value, making the decision a complex one.

He added that Vietnam recently held a successful exhibition celebrating 80 years of independence, freedom, and happiness, showcasing the nation’s cultural essence. For this festival, the Vietnamese cultural space will be represented by the capital, Hanoi - a city that embodies the soul of national culture and a thousand years of heritage.

He expressed hope that this choice would provide international friends with a meaningful experience and garner their support and appreciation.

A vibrant celebration of global cultures

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Deputy Minister Le Hai Binh of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Photo: Organizing Committee

As of September 25, 48 embassies, international organizations, and foreign cultural centers in Vietnam had confirmed their participation in the festival. The program will feature 45 national cultural spaces, 33 food booths, 16 international art troupes, 12 publishing units, and 20 countries submitting films for screening.

Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director of the Department of International Cooperation under MoCST, announced that the first World Cultural Festival in Hanoi will take place from October 3 to 5, 2025, at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel heritage site.

The event will include a wide array of unique cultural activities such as the Hanoi World Culture Day, international cuisine programs, film screenings, global folk dance showcases, international visual arts exhibitions, ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) fashion performances, the Hanoi International Book Festival, and various supporting events.

With the motto “culture as foundation - art as medium,” the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism hopes this festival will evolve into an annual international cultural diplomacy event in Hanoi. The goal is to foster people-to-people exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and trust between Vietnam and other nations, and affirm the role of culture in achieving the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, for peace and global prosperity.

Tinh Le