Hanoi UNESCO Association marks 30th anniversary of establishment

The Hanoi UNESCO Association, a member of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations and the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO clubs celebrated its 30th anniversary (December 1994 – December 2024) on November 30.

Overview of the event. Photos: Thu Trang.

Speaking at the anniversary ceremony, Truong Minh Tien, Chairman of the Hanoi UNESCO Association, stressed that since its establishment, the association has consistently carried out activities in line with its charter, as approved by the Hanoi People's Committee.

The association has united its members, involved the capital’s citizens, and contributed to the preservation, promotion, and dissemination of cultural, scientific, and educational values while actively participating in Hanoi’s public diplomacy efforts.

"The association has gradually strengthened its activities, participated in the preservation and promotion of Hanoi's cultural heritage, and contributed to peace and friendship initiatives. Notably, it has excelled in organizing artistic performances for major holidays and significant political events, helping to spread Hanoi and Vietnam's traditional cultural values to both domestic and international audiences," Tien stated.

At the ceremony, Tran Thi Phuong, Permanent Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, congratulated the Hanoi UNESCO Association on its 30th anniversary. She said that the Association's activities have been increasingly integrated with the culture and sports sectors in managing, preserving, and promoting the cultural heritage of the capital.

Phuong added that the association has organized artistic performances for major holidays and local political events, enhancing its reputation while spreading positive cultural values to both the local community and international friends. Its performances have gradually reached a wider audience, including foreign visitors, by being shown in pedestrian streets and cultural and tourist landmarks of Hanoi.

Permanent Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations Tran Thi Phuong presents merit certificates to outstanding individuals at the event.

According to the association's report, since 2002, the Hanoi UNESCO Association has regularly organized music and dance festivals featuring participation from clubs, centers, and art troupes, thus fostering connections among these entities.

Over the years, the association has actively participated in events organized by the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, such as the Spring Friendship Festival, Culture for Peace Day, Anti-Nuclear Weapons Signature Campaign, Friendship Journey Program, ASEAN Culture Day, and the Harmony of Peace and Friendship Festival.

Despite its achievements, the association acknowledges limitations, including financial constraints and reliance on retired personnel as core staff for clubs, centers, and art troupes. Activities are heavily dependent on socialized funding, which sometimes affects the effectiveness of public diplomacy and international cooperation efforts.

Looking ahead, the Hanoi UNESCO Association plans to strengthen its clubs, centers, and art troupes while continuing to organize and improve annual music and dance festivals, cultural and artistic activities, and exhibitions commemorating national and municipal holidays and events in the heritage sector.

Additionally, the association aims to foster creativity, create a supportive environment for collective initiatives, and highlight individual contributions, especially from young people, in cultural and educational development. It will also intensify cooperation in cultural heritage, literature, and the arts with embassies and international organizations.