World Culture Festival shares compassion with disaster-affected communities
THE HANOI TIMES — The Cultures of the World Festival 2025, the first held in Hanoi, themed “Connection – Sharing – Spreading Love” is dedicated to supporting communities hit hard by natural disasters
Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the Cultures of the World Festival 2025 held in Hanoi on October 10. Photos: VGP
Held from October 10 to 12 at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the festival brought together diplomats, international friends, artists and Vietnamese citizens to share solidarity with those affected by recent storms and floods.
The event showcased a vibrant mosaic of global and Vietnamese cultures through traditional dances, costume displays, international cuisine, and folk performances, embodying unity and compassion.
Attending the opening ceremony on the evening of October 10, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said that as many provinces struggle with consecutive natural disasters, “the Cultures of the World Festival 2025 is a moment for us to share, spread love and strengthen the bonds of national unity and humanitarian spirit.”
He extended heartfelt sympathy to families suffering losses from floods and storms, calling on the Vietnamese people and the international community to join hands in relief efforts.
The prime minister stated that culture is an internal strength and a bridge connecting people, nations and civilizations, nurturing global solidarity in addressing climate change and natural calamities.
Madame Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of Party General Secretary To Lam, at the opening ceremony on October 10.
He expressed appreciation to UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Hanoi People’s Committee for their cooperation in organizing the festival, and acknowledged the initiative of Madame Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of Party General Secretary To Lam, for inspiring the event’s creation.
The opening program, titled “Colors of Vietnam – Rhythms of the World,” presented a panorama of global culture, concluding with a performance of “We Are The World” that conveyed a message of friendship, solidarity and peace.
PM Chinh also praised the performance’s strong Vietnamese identity and spirit of empathy, symbolizing a “culture of sharing and compassion” that supports those in disaster-hit areas.
UNESCO Representative in Vietnam Jonathan Wallace Baker speaks at the event.
Meanwhile, UNESCO Representative in Vietnam Jonathan Wallace Baker expressed his solidarity with the Vietnamese people, stating: “In difficult times, culture reminds us of the roots of compassion and our capacity to rebuild together. When culture connects, humanity unites.”
The three-day festival took place at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and around Hoan Kiem Lake’s pedestrian zone, featuring thousands of artists, cultural ambassadors and participants. As Hanoi’s first international cultural festival on such a scale, it reflected Vietnam’s openness, humanity and sense of global responsibility.
PM Chinh visits a booth displaying foreign specialties.
Exhibition and performance areas were divided into themes such as “Colors of Vietnamese Culture,” “World Cultural Space,” “Global Cuisine” and “Street Art and Creative Youth.” Visitors enjoyed Vietnamese traditional performances including Quan ho folk singing, Hue royal court music, Central Highlands gong ensembles, Hat van, and Xam Thang Long, along with artistic troupes from Japan, South Korea, France, India, Cuba, Palestine and other countries.
The Cultures of the World Festival 2025 is a celebration of artistic diversity and a powerful expression of compassion and international solidarity.
From the heart of the capital – where heritage meets creativity – the event conveys a message that culture is the bridge of love and the strength that helps humanity overcome challenges together .
An art performance highlighting different cultures at the festival.
