Lifestyle

Embrace and Nurture a Progressive Vietnamese Culture Steeped in National Identity

For half a century, culture has been an unwavering beacon, guiding the nation's socio-economic development with its indispensable light.

Administrator

5 August, 2024

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Numerous cultural topics were discussed by experts at the scientific conference, “50 Years of Building an Advanced Culture: A National Identity-Infused Endeavor,” recently held at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

A captivating Tuong performance at the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023. Photo: Le hoi Thiet ke Sang tao

Transforming Mindsets and Methods

The conference witnessed delegates delve into discussions on achievements, challenges, and underlying reasons in the journey of creating a progressive culture infused with national identity. They also reflected on the current progress, existing issues, and potential solutions for further advancing this cultural endeavor in the upcoming period.

The scientific conference was presided over by leaders of the Central Theoretical Council and the Hanoi Party Committee. Photo: Lai Tan/The Hanoi Times

Notable presentations included “The Party’s Perspective on Building an Advanced Culture Infused with National Identity: A 50-Year Retrospective (1975-2025)” by Nguyen Duy Bac, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics. Additionally, “Development of Vietnamese Literature and Art: A 50-Year Journey (1975-2025)” was presented by Nguyen The Ky, Chairman of the Central Council for Theory and Criticism of Literature and Art. Another insightful contribution was “Preservation and Promotion of Cultural Heritage Values of Ethnic Minorities: The Last 50 Years (1975-2025)” by Le Hong Ly, Chairman of the Vietnam Folk Literature and Art Association.

Nguyen Van Phong, Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, delivers a speech at the conference. Photo: Lai Tan/The Hanoi Times

As reported at the conference, the 13th National Party Congress set a visionary goal for Vietnam to become a high-income developed country by 2045. Central to this vision is the recognition of comprehensive human development and the building of an advanced culture rooted in national identity, harnessing culture as an endogenous force for national progress and defense.

However, Pham Van Linh, Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, pointed out that various sectors and levels of government have yet to fully grasp the importance of culture or allocate adequate resources. Cultural leadership and management sometimes lack clarity and agility, and investments in this sector are often insufficient and misdirected, resulting in ineffectiveness.

Balancing Economic and Cultural Development

Nguyen Van Phong, Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, highlighted Hanoi’s significance as the nation’s political and administrative hub, as well as a prominent center for culture, science, education, economy, and international transactions. Among these, its role as a cultural epicenter stands out as one of its most distinctive and defining features.

The Metamorphosis Fashion Show, a highlight of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023.

With its rich historical and cultural heritage, Hanoi recognizes that cultural matters are both an immediate priority and a long-term foundational mission. Culture is taking center stage in the city’s development policy, aiming for a harmonious balance between economic growth and cultural flourishing. This symbiotic relationship between cultural and economic development elevates human personality and fosters a more refined society.

According to Dr. Phong, a key highlight of Hanoi’s cultural development is the issuance of major work programs by the Hanoi Party Committee, focusing specifically on cultural advancement and the cultivation of elegant, civilized Hanoi residents.

Notably, the Hanoi Party Committee passed Resolution No.09, titled “Developing the Cultural Industry in the Capital City: A Vision for 2020-2025, with an Outlook to 2030 and Beyond.” More recently, the committee issued Directive No.30, “Strengthening the Party Committee’s Leadership in Cultivating an Elegant, Civilized Hanoi People.” This directive is seen as a pivotal step toward establishing and nurturing a robust cultural value system, family values, and human standards befitting the capital city in this new era.

A vibrant art performance at the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023.

Culture as the Heart of Hanoi’s Development

Dr. Nguyen Viet Chuc, Deputy Chairman of the Cultural and Social Advisory Council of the Central Committee of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front, remarked, “There is a palpable shift in consciousness occurring at all levels, from leadership to the general public. Hanoi, the capital, is leading the way in cultural development. Numerous policies, plans, and seminars on shaping Hanoi’s cultural landscape and its people are being implemented, marking a significant leap forward in the city’s construction and progress over the last 50 years.”

Vietnamese artist Vu Tuan Dat will participate in the international cultural event, Hanoi Art Connecting 2023.

Bui Hoai Son, Permanent Member of the National Assembly Committee on Culture and Education, commented on the policy of developing cultural industries, stating that these industries are gaining traction and recognition as a vital, sustainable sector contributing to the nation’s growth. He emphasized the need for policy solutions to raise public awareness and ensure coordination among various fields, including culture, economy, society, and education, in alignment with other critical development programs.

Contemporary art installations on the Tran Nhat Duat pedestrian bridge enhance Hanoi’s urban aesthetic. Photo: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times

Ta Ngoc Tan, Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, underscored the conference’s focus on five key areas: analyzing and evaluating 50 years of cultural building; understanding shifts in cultural awareness; assessing achievements and limitations; examining cultural development in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; and predicting future contexts and requirements for culture.

“Based on these insights,” he added, “we must intensify our focus on cultural development, recognizing that it is the development of our emotional life and, most importantly, human development.”