“United toward beloved central region” – Touching call from Vietnamese hearts

THE HANOI TIMES — The opening ceremony of the Week of National Great Solidarity and Vietnamese Cultural Heritage on the evening of November 24 was so touching when a documentary on the severe flooding damage in central Vietnam was screened.

At the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Hanoi, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on businesses, people and donors to show solidary to share hardship and support communities in the central and Central Highlands as they struggle with severe natural disasters from mid-November.

The ceremony was held in a solemn and emotional atmosphere as the prime minister and delegates observed a minute of silence for the victims in the regions.

The pain of central Vietnam and a call from the heart

The documentary on the severe flood damage in Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong left the audience in silence.

A tragic toll of 102 people dead or missing, nearly 1,300 houses collapsed or swept away, more than 82,000 hectares of rice and crops destroyed and economic losses estimated at over VND13 trillion (US$493 million) offered a stark picture of the suffering endured by local communities.

Speaking at the event, Chinh sent condolences and warm regards from the “common home” of the 54 ethnic groups to the people of central Vietnam, upholding the spirit of national solidarity, brotherhood and the principle of “leaving no one behind.”

He said this year’s event carries special meaning as the country heads toward the 14th National Party Congress and marks the 95th anniversary of the Vietnam National United Front and Vietnamese Cultural Heritage Day.

Among the activities, the 2nd Muong Ethnic Culture Festival stands out as a special highlight, helping to vividly showcase the identity of Muong culture.

The week honors traditional cultural values and provides a space for ethnic groups to meet, exchange and nurture aspirations for development so that culture becomes a source of internal strength and soft power.

Recalling President Ho Chi Minh’s teaching that “Culture must guide the nation,” the prime minister affirmed that culture is the spiritual foundation of society and a driver of sustainable development.

He said preserving and promoting cultural values is a historical responsibility that honors the past, educates younger generations and shapes the future.

 The prime minister assigned five key tasks to the culture sector and localities, including fully understanding Party resolutions on cultural development, improving cultural institutions and policies, investing adequate resources in heritage preservation, building cultural life at the grassroots and promoting the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism as a national and international cultural hub.

“Let the Week of National Great Solidarity and Vietnamese Cultural Heritage spread a spirit of unity so that culture continues to illuminate the path for today’s and future generations,” he stated.

He called on the entire nation to “turn one heart toward Central Vietnam,” believing that with unity, the country would overcome difficulties and build a prosperous and strong Vietnam.

At the ceremony, organizations and businesses contributed VND540 billion ($20 million) to support communities in the central and Central Highlands. The event organizers continued to encourage donations via QR codes.

Over the past days, the National Assembly, the Government Office, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Ministry of Home Affairs and many state agencies and organizations have launched campaigns to raise funds for affected people in the central region.

Delivering the opening remarks, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung said the Week of National Great Solidarity and Vietnamese Cultural Heritage strengthens national unity and honors the heritage of 54 ethnic groups.

He noted cultural heritage embodies creativity and essential values, while solidarity forms national strength, adding that together they let “a culture of love and sharing shine.”

Hung recalled Ho Chi Minh’s teachings and Party General Secretary To Lam’s view that national strength comes from trust and humanity.

This year’s program allows cultural communities to showcase themselves through exhibitions, performances, festivals and cultural spaces, fostering appreciation among the public, especially youth.

He said values shaped over thousands of years will continue to support Vietnam as it enters a “new era.”

 Vietnam’s cultural development strategy

Vietnam aims to build an advanced culture rich in national identity and develop cultural industries into a “soft power” to boost the country’s standing.

The strategy to 2030 with a vision to 2045 focuses on 10 key sectors, including film, performing arts, handicrafts, cultural tourism, publishing, advertising, software and games, creative design, television and radio, and fine arts and photography.

By 2030, these industries target 10% annual growth, contributing 7% of GDP and expanding the cultural workforce. By 2045, they are expected to contribute 9% of GDP, employ 8% of the workforce and have digital products account for over 80% of output.

The plan prioritizes preserving heritage, developing grassroots cultural life, training human resources, improving legal frameworks and applying advanced technology.

Regional cultural centers and creative spaces will link production, promotion and consumption.

Meanwhile, businesses are encouraged to invest, mobilize resources and drive innovation and digital transformation.

The country’s overall goal is to make culture a sustainable driver of the economy, international integration and soft power while promoting Vietnamese cultural values globally.

Joining nationwide relief efforts, Hanoi has launched emergency support for residents in central and Central Highlands provinces hit by severe flooding. Local agencies and districts mobilized donations from public employees, businesses and residents, including one-day salary contributions, essential goods and relief supplies. Collected items were sorted, packed and transported to affected areas, with multiple trucks dispatched on November 23 and 24 to deliver necessities to communities in need. The city also provided direct financial assistance, including VND50 billion (US$2 million) for Gia Lai Province to help address disaster impacts and stabilize local livelihoods. Alongside government resources, Hanoi enlisted strong support from communities, businesses and social organizations. The assistance extended beyond immediate relief, aiming to help residents restore production and rebuild after the floods. The widespread response underscored the capital’s commitment to supporting localities facing hardship.