In 2024, Hanoi will persist in pushing forward people-to-people diplomacy, aiming to bolster the city's development and ultimately contribute to the nation's prosperity, as stated by President Nguyen Ngoc Ky of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations.

In this regard, Ky expected the union to continue innovating its thinking, developing a strategic vision, and adopting new methods to build and implement medium and long-term people-to-people diplomatic programs and plans.

The music program Welcoming the New Year. Photos: The Hanoi Times

“The union would increase the scale of organizing peace, solidarity, friendship, and cooperation events and strengthen the capacity and efficiency of their personnel and member units. Additionally, it will continue to promote outreach efforts and engage foreign governments in a manner consistent with the city's socio-economic development direction and ensuring foreign security and safety,” said Ky.

Le Thi Thu Hang, Secretary of the Tay Ho District Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Vietnam - South Korea Friendship Association in Hanoi, believed that in the context of globalization and increasing international integration, culture is being used  by many nations as a potent tool of "soft power." For developing countries like Vietnam, cultural diplomacy plays a crucial role in disseminating cultural values, promoting the country's image, strengthening its position and voice internationally, and generating momentum for development.

The 11th Latin music night in Hanoi.

In the economic sphere, cultural diplomacy also plays a significant role in attracting investment, said Hang.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Thanh, Chairwoman of the Hanoi Peace Committee, emphasized the critical role and responsibility of every Hanoian in preserving and promoting traditional values, spreading peace values, and promoting Hanoi's image at home and abroad.

Thanh noted that in 2024, the Hanoi Peace Committee will organize numerous activities related to major anniversaries of the capital and the country, such as the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory and the 25th anniversary of Hanoi being recognized by UNESCO as the City for Peace.

Last year, the successful implementation of the Politburo's  Resolution No. 15-NQ/TW, which emphasizes boosting foreign affairs, international integration, development cooperation, and elevating the position and prestige of Hanoi, contributed greatly to the city's overall diplomatic achievements.

The Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations successfully organized its annual activities, leaving a positive impression on international friends and resonating widely among the capital's populace.

Some notable activities highly regarded by international friends include the International Art Exchange "Welcoming the New Year," the Spring Friendship Exchange, traditional Tet celebrations with several Asian countries, an international art exchange to commemorate the 56th anniversary of ASEAN and 78 years of Vietnam’s National Day, the international painting competition "I Love Hanoi - City for Peace," a bicycle ride for Hanoi's green environment, and a Latin American music night.

Delegates take part in the "For a Green Hanoi" cycling event.

Additionally, commemorative activities in even-numbered years have also made a strong impact and left a favorable impression on international delegates. For instance, the Peace Tree Planting Ceremony at Hoa Binh Park to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Agreement to end the war and restore peace in Vietnam; the Vietnam-Australia Friendship Exchange; a symposium entitled "Vietnam - Cuba: Special Solidarity Relationship" to commemorate the 50th anniversary of leader Fidel Castro’s visit to Vietnam and the liberation of Quang Tri Province; and the planting of 110 cherry blossom trees to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen noted the people-to-people diplomatic activities in the capital in 2023 significantly contributed to the city's overall diplomatic achievements. Despite the myriad challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Hanoi has diligently maintained its growth momentum, particularly in the field of people-to-people diplomacy, achieving numerous noteworthy accomplishments, he noted.

Quyen suggests that in 2024, to further innovate and respond to the demands of the new period, the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations should work closely with the Municipal Party Committee's Office and the Department of Foreign Affairs to meticulously plan and execute specific, scientific, and robust programs.

He expected that these efforts would further promote the image of the city and its people to international friends, thereby fostering cultural and economic exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding between Hanoians and the international community.

“This initiative aims to showcase Hanoi's millennia-old cultural heritage, its status as a City for Peace and Heroic Capital, its dynamic development, and its integration into the international community,” Quyen added.