Representatives of the United Nations member states have expressed delight with Vietnam in celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Declaration of Hanoi's designation as a UNESCO City For Peace.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations delivers a speech at the High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace themed “Cultivating and Nurturing the Culture of Peace for Present and Future Generations” in New York on August 2. Photo: VNA

The sentiment was reported at the High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace, themed “Cultivating and Nurturing the Culture of Peace for Present and Future Generations” held in New York on August 2.

The event aimed to celebrate UNESCO's Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace in 1999. 

Speaking at the celebration ceremony held at the UN Headquarters in New York on August 2, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, underlined that Vietnam has historically been a peace-loving nation. This worldview is still strongly reflected in the nation's foreign policy. Vietnam's bamboo diplomacy contributes to the advancement of its foreign policy, which emphasizes independence, self-reliance, adaptability, and diversification of relationships.

Giang called on nations to fully implement the principles of peace, strive to achieve sustainable development goals and promote a culture of peace for a bright future for the present and future generations.

Twenty-five years after UNESCO awarded Hanoi the title of "City for Peace", the capital has achieved remarkable successes, confirming itself as the country's most important administrative, political, economic, and cultural center.

The city ranks first in the country in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), luring over US$2.94 billion in FDI in 2023. The number of foreign tourists to Hanoi during the seven months of this year rose 42.5% to 3.43 million. These soaring numbers resulted in total tourist revenue of VND63 trillion (US$2.53 billion), an increase of 18.9%.

Along with economic growth, the city places great emphasis on social welfare and improving people's lives. By the end of last year, the poverty rate had been brought down to 0.03%, and health insurance coverage reached 94.33% of the population.

The local cultural, educational, scientific, and technological sectors continue to flourish, while urban management and environmental sanitation are well maintained, with a focus on leveraging information technology and creating favorable conditions for big data and smart city initiatives.

The iconic historical relic site of Hanoi: Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Yeu Ha Noi Group

The local cultural, educational, scientific, and technological sectors continue to flourish, while urban management and environmental sanitation are well maintained, with a focus on leveraging information technology and creating favorable conditions for big data and smart city initiatives.

Given its pivotal position, the capital always prioritizes national defense and security, ensuring public order and safety for central government agencies, major political and cultural events, as well as visits by foreign high-profile guests.

Bird's eye view of modern Hanoi. Photo: Hoang Thi Hoan

In 2023, Hanoi hosted many foreign heads of state, government, and parliament during their working visits to Vietnam. Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and his wife paid a state visit to Vietnam on December 12-13.

US President Joe Biden, during a state visit to Vietnam on September 10-11, agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening a new historic period of bilateral friendship and cooperation.

President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife paid a state visit to Vietnam from June 22 to 24 to further boost the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

The successful organization of these events confirmed Vietnam's capital city's ability to meet the material and security requirements for large-scale activities and enhanced the country's reputation and profile on the global stage.