Vietnam completes many policies to promote the preservation and promotion of cultural identity.

On September 16, the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians continued its work with the 3rd thematic discussion: Promoting respect for cultural diversity for sustainable development. On this issue, Tin Tuc reporter had an interview with Mr. Bui Hoai Son, Standing Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education.

Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son, Standing Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education. Photo: TP

Sir, why was the topic of cultural diversity chosen to be discussed at this Global Young Parliamentarians' Conference? Right from the 2001 World Declaration on Cultural Diversity, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) affirmed that cultural diversity is a valuable common asset of humanity, as necessary to humanity as biodiversity is to nature, and is the source of exchange, innovation and creativity. In the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005 Convention), UNESCO continued to affirm that cultural diversity is a characteristic of humanity, which needs to be honored and protected for the benefit of all. Cultural diversity is a driving force for sustainable development for communities, peoples and nations, and is an indispensable factor for peace and security at the local, national and international levels. UNESCO affirms the importance of cultural diversity for the full realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms, enhancing the role and status of women in society, creating social cohesion and harmony. UNESCO emphasizes the need to integrate cultural diversity as a strategic element in national and international development policies, implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In the context of increasingly deep international integration as today, the role of cultural diversity in the world is becoming increasingly important. Accepting, respecting and promoting cultural diversity helps strengthen dialogue between civilizations, promote understanding and increase mutual respect between nations and peoples. Countries that already have a diverse culture in the unity of ethnic groups will have a more favorable opportunity when integrating internationally, because flexible behavior and respect for differences that are already part of the indigenous culture will be important points to lead to successful international dialogue and cooperation, participating in a diverse, peaceful and sustainably developing world like today. So how is the promotion, preservation and absorption of new values ​​of Vietnamese culture expressed throughout history? Vietnam is a country with a long history and traditional culture of thousands of years. Vietnamese culture has unity in diversity, which is the blending and crystallization of the cultural identities of 54 ethnic groups. Vietnam has made constant efforts to build a community of 54 ethnic groups that are diverse, harmonious and respectful of each other. The community of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam all share a national and ethnic consciousness, all join hands and unite to build and protect the Fatherland of Vietnam. National consciousness, patriotism, and civic responsibility are the common denominators that unite all Vietnamese people, regardless of their ethnic background, class, or religion. Throughout history, the Vietnamese State has been implementing and increasingly perfecting a system of important policies to promote the preservation and promotion of cultural identity, considering the cultural heritage of ethnic groups as an important part of a unified and diverse Vietnamese culture, both absorbing new and appropriate values ​​and promoting their own identities, so that each ethnic group's culture can increasingly develop, and Vietnamese culture can increasingly reach new heights. The Platform for National Construction (supplemented and developed in 2011) has identified major and important orientations in the process of developing Vietnam, in which the most prominent contents are related to promoting cultural diversity, respecting the cultures of ethnic groups, and aiming for sustainable development. The Platform affirmed that Vietnam: “Implement the policy of equality, solidarity, respect and mutual assistance among ethnic groups, create all conditions for ethnic groups to develop together, closely linked to the common development of the Vietnamese ethnic community. Preserve and promote the cultural identity, language, and fine traditions of ethnic groups. Fight against ethnic discrimination and division. Socio-economic policies must be consistent with the characteristics of regions and ethnic groups”. Deeply aware of its responsibility, the Vietnamese National Assembly issued a number of guidelines and policies, perfecting the legal system to promote respect for cultural diversity for sustainable development. Specifically, the Vietnamese Constitution through the periods has affirmed the equal rights of ethnic groups, emphasizing that ethnic groups are equal, united, respect and help each other to develop together; strictly prohibiting all acts of ethnic discrimination and division. Ethnic groups have the right to use their own language and writing, preserve their national identity, promote their fine customs, practices, traditions and culture. The National Assembly promulgates laws on beliefs, religions, cultural heritage... national target programs on culture, ethnic minorities, poverty reduction... regularly conducts large-scale questioning and supervision to ensure that cultural diversity issues are respected and integrated into major national programs. Thanks to the attention of the Party, the State, especially the National Assembly of Vietnam, cultural development in general and cultural diversity in particular have achieved many important achievements, contributing to the prosperity of the country, and are highly appreciated by the Vietnamese ethnic community and international friends and organizations. To date, the country has over 3,590 national relics, 119 special national relics, 8 World Cultural and Natural Heritages, and 13 intangible cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO. So what issues will cultural diversity be discussed at this conference, sir? Cultural diversity is considered a resource for the development of the world now and in the future. However, cultural diversity in Vietnam as well as in many countries is facing many challenges, especially non-traditional challenges of the digital age and globalization, which significantly affect the sustainability of cultural heritage and ethnic cultures. Therefore, the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians held in Hanoi, Plenary Session 3 with the theme "Promoting respect for cultural diversity for sustainable development" is of special significance.

Together, we will focus on discussing the role of parliaments and young parliamentarians in promoting respect for cultural diversity in the context of technological transformation, digital transformation and globalization, focusing on the following contents: Ethical digital cooperation and minimizing the unintended impacts of digital transformation on privacy, security and happiness; Promoting the role of culture in development policies at the national, regional and international levels; Commitment to protecting and promoting cultural diversity, creating an environment and ecosystem favorable for culture and cultural diversity; The role of culture and cultural diversity in sustainable development. Sir, what role do young people play in preserving and promoting cultural values? How have young people demonstrated this? Young people play an important role in preserving and promoting cultural values. This is demonstrated through the following: Firstly, youth participation in activities such as preserving and conserving traditional cultural heritage values ​​and performing arts is a way to inherit and promote the cultural values ​​of the nation. At the same time, it creates opportunities for people to understand and appreciate these values. Secondly, youth can participate in local art clubs, such as folk song and dance groups, and continue to create new art, which not only helps them develop their personal talents but also contributes to the development and maintenance of cultural values ​​in the community. Thirdly, youth sharing their information and knowledge through the transmission of cultural messages through social media and social events will help spread values, change perspectives, and make people understand and appreciate unique cultural features. Fourth, young people can promote cultural diversity by sharing their experiences, knowledge and passion with others to create cultural exchanges and interactions between communities and create a more open and attractive cultural environment. In addition, young people need to participate in volunteer and social activities to contribute to the protection and promotion of cultural values. By doing this, they inspire others to be socially responsible and to respect and protect the cultural values ​​of the whole country. Thank you very much!

Le Van/Tin Tuc Newspaper