From cultural diplomacy to global creative city

Introducing Hoi An's traditional culture within the framework of the 2024 Vietnam Festival in Osaka (Japan). Photo: Hoi An Center for Culture, Sports and Tourism

In 2022, the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policy and Sustainable Development identified culture as a public resource. It can be seen that culture has been recognized as a major capital for the development of lands, not an abstract value.

In recent years, Hoi An has actively strengthened cultural diplomacy, taking advantage of introducing and promoting local traditional art forms internationally.

Based on past relations, Hoi An has established and maintained a number of outstanding cultural events such as: Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange Event; Korean Cultural Day in Hoi An; Vietnam International Choir Competition; Vietnam Silk and Brocade Cultural Festival...

From this stepping stone, events continued to be held such as Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange (in Sakai, Japan); Hoi An Lantern Festival in Wernigerode (Germany); Hoi An Cultural Days in Paris (France)... leaving a great impression on the international public.

In all cultural and diplomatic events, the Hoi An City Center for Culture, Information and Communication is assigned to perform, always focusing on traditional folk art.

It is the indigenous cultural element that has created the uniqueness and distinct mark in the exchange performances in countries such as Japan, Korea, Thailand, Germany, Italy, Hungary, etc. Over time, the "favorite" of Hoi An's traditional culture has spread more and more widely, contributing significantly to the building of the global cultural destination brand of this heritage.

“Hoi An Garden” was established in Wernigerode (Germany) - Hoi An's sister city. Photo: Hoi An Center for Culture, Information and Tourism

Ms. Tran Hai Van - Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) said that the city's candidacy has affirmed the promotion of Hoi An's tradition of East-West connection.

Hoi An's recognition as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of crafts and folk arts continues to create certain advantages and opportunities for Hoi An in the process of international integration and cultural diplomacy.

Ms. Tran Hai Van also commented that Hoi An's handicraft products are gradually effectively participating in the supply chain of cultural tourism and export activities.

In terms of folk art, Hoi An is a convergence of many unique cultural features, creating favorable conditions for this heritage city to approach the world through the process of cooperation in protecting and promoting the value of this type of heritage. UNESCO will continue to support Hoi An in promoting its culture to the world.

Mr. Nguyen Van Lanh - Vice Chairman of Hoi An City People's Committee shared that although the urban scale is small, the characteristics of Hoi An in the past as well as present always have international elements.

Furthermore, in the process of building the city, in addition to internal strength, it is necessary to further promote the process of cooperation and international diplomacy to absorb, filter and integrate many modern factors, in which cultural diplomacy is an important pillar. Therefore, participating in the UNESCO Global Creative Cities Network is a great mark of Hoi An's cultural diplomacy, thereby further enriching its cultural resources.

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/tu-ngoai-giao-van-hoa-den-thanh-pho-sang-tao-toan-cau-3148302.html