Hanoi will put forth programs and actions to realize the soft power potential of its thousand years of civilization, said Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung at the ceremony to celebrate Hanoi’s admission in the UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network as a Creative City for Design.

Mayor Chung affirmed that the admission to the Creative Cities Network helps Vietnam’s capital city build and promote its competitive position in attracting investment, stimulating urban renovation, focusing on educational programs, becoming the venue for important cultural events and fostering sustainable development.

Head of UNESCO's Office in Vietnam Michael Croft grants the UNESCO's certification for Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Duc Chung. Photo: Lai Tan.

The result is considered the initial step yet significant for the goals of empowering and creating a more attractive image of Hanoi.

Joining in the network, Hanoi wishes to become not only an active member but also an envoy, a bridge for sustainable development, Mayor Nguyen Duc Chung said.

The ceremony also marked the attendance of Head of UNESCO’s Office in Viet Nam Michael Croft. In his remarks, Croft stressed that building on the city’s legacy of inclusion and tolerance as a UNESCO City for Peace, Creative City is a designation for the 21st Century, one that represents the future vision of the city that reflects Vietnam’s objectives as an energized and engaged actor in the region and the world.

To celebrate the event, the Folk Culture in Contemporary Life festival is underway from December 13 to 15. The festival marks the participation of hundreds of artisans from typical traditional craft villages of Hanoi.

A series of activities in the festival will provide the public some insights on handicrafts and fine arts products with creative designs from Van Phuc Silk, Bat Trang pottery, Ngu Xa bronze casting, lacquer Ha Thai, among others.

Visitors will also enjoy the demonstrations of intangible cultural activities in modern life including the singing of ca tru, xam and trong quan, among other art genres.