UN adopts Vietnam’s proposal on cultural initiative

According to the Vietnam News Agency, the initiative was promoted by Vietnam with a core group comprising Cyprus, Italy, Laos, Qatar and Saint Kitts and Nevis, and was co-sponsored by 103 countries.

The resolution establishes a long-term framework to encourage countries and the international community to integrate culture more deeply into development policies.

It designates the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the focal point for implementing the initiative, working with member states to develop specific activities, programs and action plans.

Introducing the resolution to the UN General Assembly, Vietnam's Ambassador to the United Nations Do Hung Viet, head of Vietnam's Permanent Mission to the UN, said culture helps shape identity, connect communities and foster creativity and innovation, while also contributing to livelihoods and sustainable development.

The International Decade initiative, he said, would provide a framework for turning awareness into action, mobilizing political support and resources, promoting partnerships, and sharing knowledge and experience. This would help give culture a more prominent place on the global development agenda.

In their remarks, countries welcomed the initiative and affirmed the essential role of culture in sustainable development, as well as in promoting cooperation, dialogue and mutual understanding.

The General Assembly's adoption of the initiative reflects growing international consensus on the key role of culture in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The resolution recognizes culture as an essential component of human development and a source of identity, innovation and creativity. It also describes culture as an important factor in promoting social cohesion and inclusion, poverty reduction, sustainable economic growth and the active participation of people in development.

The cultural, creative and heritage sectors are seen as having not only social value but also the potential to generate income and jobs and contribute solutions to challenges in areas including education, health, gender equality, technology and the environment.

The General Assembly also reaffirmed the need to effectively integrate culture into economic, social and environmental development policies and strategies, alongside adequate public investment in preserving and promoting culture.

The adoption of the resolution marks the culmination of Vietnam's efforts to propose and advance the initiative at UNESCO and the United Nations.

What began as an initiative launched by Vietnam has received broad support and evolved into a UN framework for cooperation over an entire decade, highlighting Vietnam's growing role in multilateral forums and its ability to put forward initiatives addressing shared international concerns.