Paris (VNA) - Vietnam has reiterated its commitment to active and responsible engagement within UNESCO, as the country participated in the 221st session of the UNESCO Executive Board, which opened on April 7 at the organisation’s headquarters in Paris.

According to the Vietnamese delegation to UNESCO, the ongoing session, which runs from April 7- 17, focuses on UNESCO’s strategic directions, its operational priorities, and the selection process for a new Director-General.

In his remarks, Deputy Foreign Minister Ngo Le Van stressed the growing relevance of UNESCO’s mission to "build peace in the minds of men and women" amid mounting global challenges affecting peace, security, and sustainable development.

🌌 He acknowledged the leadership of UNESCO’s Director-General and the Secretariat in fulfilling this mission, especially as the organisation marks its 80th anniversary.

The Vietnamese official reaffirmed the country’s pledge to remain a reliable, proactive partner in advancing UNESCO’s goals. He highlighted Vietnam’s education reform, including the implementation of free public school tuition from the 2025–2026 academic year, as an example of its commitment to inclusive education.

He also urged UNESCO to continue supporting member states in building comprehensive education systems, fostering cultural dialogue, promoting creative industries, and finalising legal frameworks for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Vietnam’s recent adoption of a national resolution on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation was presented as evidence of the country's commitment to this agenda.

On the sidelines of the session, Van and representatives of some Vietnamese localities held bilateral meetings with UNESCO leaders, including Director-General Audrey Azoulay, Deputy Director-General Xing Qu, Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone, and delegation heads of several countries.

UNESCO leaders welcomed Vietnam’s strong engagement, with Director-General Azoulay describing Vietnam as a “comprehensive, substantive, and effective” partner.

Many member states also commended Vietnam’s contributions over nearly five decades of cooperation, especially its active role in UNESCO’s key governing bodies. Vietnam was cited as a model for balancing heritage preservation with sustainable development.

During working sessions with the World Heritage Centre and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), Vietnam presented updates on the implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions related to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, while introducing the Yen Tu–Vinh Nghiem–Con Son, Kiep Bac complex as a candidate for consideration at the Committee’s 47th session in July 2025.

Van also appealed for continued technical support and endorsement of several upcoming Vietnamese heritage nominations, including the Oc Eo-Ba The archaeological site, Cu Chi Tunnels, Dong Ho folk paintings, and traditional art forms such as Cheo, Mo Muong, and Binh Dinh martial arts. The candidacy of Ho Chi Minh City for UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network was also highlighted.

The Executive Board session is scheduled to consider Vietnam’s proposal for the inclusion of composer Hoang Van’s archives in the Memory of the World Register, and a resolution for the 43rd General Conference to jointly commemorate the life and legacy of scholar Le Quy Don.

As part of the official agenda, the Vietnamese delegation will also co-host a cultural event on April 9 at UNESCO headquarters, aiming to showcase the unique heritage of the Kinh Bac region and promote the image of a dynamic, modern Vietnam, poised for growth after 80 years of independence and more than four decades of reform./.