Spreading the values of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam and Vietnamese culture, heritage at UNESCO headquarters
WVR - On June 17, at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, within the framework of activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-UNESCO relations (1976-2026), the cultural program "Dao hoc" (Education path) took place to mark the 950th anniversary of the establishment of Quoc Tu Giam - Vietnam's first national university.
Latest
 |
| The Vietnamese delegation along with other delegates attended the cultural program "Dao hoc" on the occasion of the 950th anniversary of the establishment of Quoc Tu Giam, held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France. (Source: Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to UNESCO) |
The program was organized by the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO in collaboration with the Hanoi People's Committee and the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to UNESCO.
Attending from Vietnam were Deputy Foreign Minister Ngo Le Van, Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO; Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai, and many other delegates. From UNESCO, Mr. Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of UNESCO, was present.
Taking place during the session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the event attracted over 200 delegates representing more than 100 UNESCO member states, along with numerous international friends.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO Ngo Le Van emphasized that Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, with its nearly a millennium-long history, is a prominent symbol of Vietnamese civilization, embodying the tradition of valuing education, respecting teachers, and recognizing talent, with a deep belief that education, knowledge, and people are the foundation for sustainable national development.
With 82 Doctoral Steles recognized by UNESCO as Documentary Heritage under the Memory of the World Program, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam has become a cultural symbol of Hanoi and Vietnam, a testament to a thousand-year tradition of valuing knowledge, education, and talent.
The Deputy Minister affirmed that, along with Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - is a prime example of effective cooperation between Vietnam and UNESCO in preserving and promoting heritage values.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-UNESCO relations, Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van affirmed that the partnership between Vietnam and UNESCO continues to grow robustly, becoming increasingly comprehensive, substantive, and effective. UNESCO remains a trusted partner accompanying Vietnam in the process of national reconstruction, renewal, international integration, and development; meanwhile, Vietnam is increasingly becoming an active, responsible member, proactively contributing to UNESCO's common goals.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that in the new era of development, as per the spirit of Resolution 80-NQ/TW of the Politburo on the development of Vietnamese culture and Resolution 06-NQ/TW on implementing the foreign policy of the 14th Party Congress, Vietnam will continue to promote culture as an intrinsic strength, preserve and promote heritage values, while proactively contributing to cultural exchange, multilateral cooperation, and UNESCO's common goals for peace, sustainable development, and human progress.
Speaking at the event, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Nayef Al-Fayez highly appreciated the special significance of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, a prominent symbol of Vietnam's culture and history. Beyond its architectural and historical value, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam is a vivid testament to Vietnam's long-standing tradition of valuing knowledge, education, and scholarship; it also reflects the notion that heritage is not just about preserving the past but also about living values that continue to inspire future generations.
Mr. Nayef Al-Fayez affirmed that the values represented by Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam are deeply connected with UNESCO's mission to promote education, protect and promote heritage, and enhance dialogue among peoples.
Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam Le Xuan Kieu emphasized that Hanoi will continue to preserve, protect, and promote the values of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, so that the heritage is not only a symbol of the Vietnamese tradition of valuing education, honoring knowledge, and talent but also continues to inspire today's and future generations.
At the event, delegates enjoyed the special art program "Dao hoc," showcasing the depth of Vietnamese culture through exhibitions, music, ao dai, and performance art. The ao dai collections by designer Minh Hanh, inspired by Vietnam's educational tradition, spread the values of Humanity - Etiquette - Righteousness - Wisdom - Trust.
Additionally, through the voices of artists and the performance of ao dai, Northwest brocade, A Luoi, Central Highlands, and Vietnamese silk, the program showcased the diverse beauty of the culture of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups - a culture unified in diversity, always preserved, created, and passed down through generations.
The program also provided space for interactive experiences with heritage, allowing international delegates to directly engage with the materials, techniques, and traditional cultural symbols of Vietnam, bringing heritage closer to the international public.
International delegates also had the opportunity to experience culinary heritage, enjoying signature dishes from Hanoi and various regions, honoring the unique cultural values crystallized over thousands of years of history.
(Source: Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to UNESCO)
