Lifestyle

Hanoi Fulfills Pledge to Foster Creative Urban Growth

As a UNESCO Creative City of Design since 2019, Hanoi has transformed creativity into a cornerstone of its urban development. Over the past six years, the city has actively fulfilled its commitments through tangible initiatives, solidifying its position as a global leader in design-driven innovation.

Administrator

18 December, 2025

At the “Festivals in Creative Cities” conference held at the Hanoi Museum on December 5, the city’s creative endeavors took center stage. Co-hosted by the UNESCO Office in Vietnam and the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, the event brought together international experts and representatives from UCCN member cities to explore the transformative power of festivals in urban creativity.

In her opening address, Bach Lien Huong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, highlighted the city’s unwavering commitment to creativity since joining the UCCN. This dedication has manifested in various initiatives, including the establishment of creative spaces, fostering domestic and international collaborations, and developing the Hanoi Creative Culture Spaces network. A key highlight is the Hanoi Creative Design Festival, which has become a flagship event showcasing the city’s innovative spirit and fostering cooperation in the design industry.

Jonathan Baker, UNESCO Representative to Vietnam, praised Hanoi’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Design as a pivotal moment in the city’s development. He emphasized that creativity is now a driving force, propelling Hanoi forward. Baker commended the city’s success in building a vibrant creative ecosystem through festivals, community engagement initiatives, and programs empowering young designers.

“While creative festivals are fleeting, their impact is lasting,” Baker noted. “They serve as catalysts for community connection, revitalizing public spaces, and expressing the unique identity and aspirations of cities.” He further emphasized the conference’s role in providing a platform for UCCN members to share best practices and develop a flexible framework for creative festivals that respects local cultural identities.

The conference delved into four key areas: Hanoi’s successful model for the Hanoi Creative Design Festival, strategies for community engagement in festival organization, the role of creative festivals in urban development, youth empowerment, and cultural entrepreneurship, and the development of a flexible festival framework aligned with UCCN values and local context.

This conference marked another milestone in the successful collaboration between Hanoi and UNESCO, aiming to foster sustainable and inclusive creative festivals that further solidify Hanoi’s position within the global UCCN.

Hanoi Joins UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities

VOV.VN – Following a rigorous evaluation process, UNESCO officially welcomed Hanoi into its Global Network of Learning Cities on December 4th. The Vietnamese capital joins 71 other cities from 46 countries in this prestigious network, recognizing its commitment to lifelong learning and knowledge-based development.