Vietnam Elected Vice President of Asia-Pacific UNESCO Clubs and Associations

Tran Van Manh, vice president and general secretary of the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations (Second from right) and delegates at the meeting. Photo: Gandaki UNESCO Club

Tran Van Manh, Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations, and Editor-in-Chief of Ngay Nay magazine, attended the meeting on behalf of Vietnam, according to a report from VOV.

Manh joined representatives of 13 AFUCA member countries to examine the federation’s operations in 2021-2022 and the preparations for the 10th congress of the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs and Associations. They also approved amendments and supplements to the AFUCA Charter and elected key posts of AFUCA for the new term.

Delegates hailed a Vietnam report focusing on many meaningful and practical programmes and activities in the fields of culture, science, education, and information and communication. The report was widely praised for its initiatives that would contribute significantly to the development of the country.

The Federation has consistently been a strong advocate for UNESCO’s ideals, values, and activities. It also works closely with UNESCO’s regional office for Asia and the Pacific to promote the organization’s various initiatives.

Established in 1974, the Asia-Pacific Federation of UNESCO Clubs and Associations (APFUCA) strives to foster collaboration among UNESCO Clubs and Associations in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as to encourage the growth and establishment of additional UNESCO Clubs and Associations in the area. With a long-standing commitment to UNESCO’s ideals, values, and activities, APFUCA works closely with UNESCO’s regional office for Asia and the Pacific to support and promote the organization’s various initiatives.

A view of the meeting. Photo: Ngay Nay Magazine

Since joining the Asian and Far Eastern UNESCO Associations (AFUCA) in 1996, the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations has consistently been lauded as one of the most dynamic associations in the region. It has made a multitude of meaningful and impactful contributions to the UNESCO movement. Moreover, from 1999 to 2004, Vietnam held the position of Vice President of AFUCA.

Earlier this year, Vietnam was elected Vice Chair of the 24-member UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee of the 2005 Convention for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, representing the Asia-Pacific region. This election took place as part of the committee’s 16th session, as reported by VietnamPlus.

Ambassador Le Thi Hong Van, head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to UNESCO, underlined that reclaiming this post for the second time is a strong indication of Vietnam’s rising status and prestige on the international stage; as well as the international community’s trust in the Southeast Asian nation’s contribution and management abilities at global multilateral institutions. She also highlighted that the election has acknowledged Vietnam’s active contribution to UNESCO and its endeavor to promote the importance of culture and creativity for sustainable, inclusive and resilient development.

Le Thi Hong Van, head of the Vietnam Permanent Delegation to UNSCO, speaks at a UNESCO plenary session. Photo: VNA

In the new period, Vietnam will have favorable conditions to further contribute to the implementation of the 2005 Convention’s goals and priorities, according to Van. Additionally, the country will be able to take advantage of knowledge, experience, and external resources for its cultural and sustainable development.

The 2005 Convention was adopted on October 20, 2005 and has so far been ratified by 152 countries. Vietnam was first elected as vice chair of the committee in the 2011-2015 tenure.