THE HANOI TIMES — The Politburo’s landmark decision to designate November 24 as Vietnam Cultural Day underscores a profound shift: culture is no longer a peripheral concern but a cornerstone of the nation’s strategic vision.
This transformation was cemented when Party General Secretary To Lam, representing the Politburo, signed Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW on January 7, titled “Developing Vietnamese Culture.” The resolution elevates culture from an abstract ideal to a tangible force, shaping policy, behavior, and long-term national priorities.
AI-generated image depicting a dragon dance troupe performing in front of a traditional Vietnamese temple.
Under this resolution, November 24 becomes a paid public holiday, designed to democratize access to culture, foster creativity among artists and cultural workers, and cultivate a more civilized, culturally enriched society. The date itself carries deep historical significance.
On November 24, 1946, Vietnam held its inaugural National Cultural Conference at the Hanoi Opera House. There, President Ho Chi Minh delivered a timeless message: culture must illuminate the nation’s path forward.
In his speech, President Ho Chi Minh advocated for Vietnam to embrace the finest cultural elements of both East and West, forging a uniquely Vietnamese identity. He viewed culture as a moral compass, capable of combating corruption, waste, and harmful practices while fostering a patriotism rooted in genuine love for the nation.
This philosophy resonates across generations. At the 2021 National Cultural Conference, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong reaffirmed this vision, echoing the enduring truth: a nation’s culture defines its identity, and when culture thrives, the nation endures.
He emphasized that culture is a multifaceted concept, yet at its core, it embodies the most refined and humane aspects of society. In this sense, culture is less about spectacle and more about the ethical foundation that shapes progressive, compassionate, and distinctive values.
History bears witness to this perspective. Vietnam’s periods of greatest national progress have often coincided with cultural flourishing. As the country embarks on a new phase of development, culture is increasingly recognized as a driver of long-term growth and social cohesion, not merely an accessory to economic success.
Since the launch of the Doi Moi (Renewal) reforms in 1986, cultural development has matured significantly. Investment has grown, creative industries have gained momentum, and international cultural engagement has expanded. These efforts have bolstered Vietnam’s soft power and enhanced its global standing.
Vietnam’s active role within UNESCO exemplifies this progress. The country now serves as vice president of UNESCO’s General Conference, participates in all five of its key mechanisms, and boasts 67 UNESCO-recognized heritage titles, surpassing its 2030 target.
Tourism reflects this upward trajectory. At the 2024 World Travel Awards, Vietnam was honored as Asia’s Leading Destination, Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination, and Asia’s Leading Nature Destination. The Lowy Institute’s Asia Power Index 2024 also noted a rise in Vietnam’s influence, driven largely by its diplomatic and cultural efforts.
Cultural diplomacy has grown bolder and more imaginative. Through the “Vietnam Day Overseas” program, Brazilian children experienced traditional water puppetry, while visitors in Saudi Arabia explored Vietnamese craftsmanship adapted to local contexts. These exchanges foster emotional connections that transcend mere statistics.
In this context, Vietnam Cultural Day is more than just a holiday. It signifies a recalibration of national priorities, positioning culture as a guiding force for growth, identity, and international standing.
This shift is evident in draft documents for the 14th National Party Congress, according to Associate Professor Dr. Bui Hoai Son, a member of the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture and Social Affairs.
“For the first time, culture stands on equal footing with economics, politics, and society,” Son observed, no longer relegated to the role of a spiritual backdrop.
This repositioning carries significant implications. By establishing Vietnam Cultural Day, the Party signals that culture has moved from the periphery to the heart of national strategy.
However, recognition alone does not address deeper challenges. Experts argue that cultural industries must transcend the production of cultural goods, actively shaping Vietnam’s image in a world where influence is driven by experience, emotion, and shared values.
Son acknowledged Vietnam’s globally recognized cultural strengths but noted that its national cultural brand remains fragmented. Building this brand, he argued, requires the State to act as both architect and mentor, fostering innovative projects and protecting intellectual property to sustain a vibrant creative ecosystem.
A national cultural brand, Son explained, emerges from an ecosystem where the State lays the foundation, enterprises and creative communities elevate it, and society values and disseminates its results.
Public response indicates widespread support for this direction. Following the implementation of Resolution 80, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor surveyed over 95,000 workers nationwide.
According to Vice President Ngo Duy Hieu, the majority overwhelmingly supported Vietnam Cultural Day as a paid holiday. Many saw it as an opportunity to engage in cultural and sports activities, visit historical sites, or reconnect with family values.
Ultimately, honoring culture through a national day affirms its central role in Vietnam’s development. More importantly, it reinforces a powerful truth: a nation’s strength lies not only in what it builds but in the values that guide its journey.
The establishment of Vietnam Cultural Day is both overdue and essential. For years, culture has been celebrated yet marginalized in practical decision-making. By dedicating a national day to culture, Vietnam declares that development must be rooted in values, identity, and social cohesion, not merely economic metrics.
Vietnam Cultural Day creates a space for culture to be practiced, renewed, and passed on in daily life. It places a shared responsibility on the State and society to safeguard cultural integrity while fostering creativity. In an era defined by influence and values, this decision gives Vietnam’s development a clear moral compass.
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