Hanoi – The Hanoi Museum was the venue for the ASEAN’s UNESCO Creative Cities Network Conference on November 18, focusing on urban regeneration and sustainable development. This significant event underscored the role of culture and creativity in urban development within ASEAN countries.
According to Vietnam News Agency, the conference, organized by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports in collaboration with the UNESCO Office in the city and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), saw the participation of over 100 Vietnamese and 20 foreign delegates from member cities of the network in ASEAN and Asian cities cooperating with Hanoi. The discussions centered around leveraging cultural and creative resources to address urban challenges exacerbated by rapid urbanization and climate change.
Hanoi presented its new development orientation and opportunities for cooperation in design, emphasizing its membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a pivotal step in establishing its brand and joining global cities with innovation-driven development aligning with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Representatives from ASEAN countries and other Asian nations shared initiatives for utilizing national resources for creative and urban development. They also explored city-level cooperation opportunities to achieve sustainable development in the region.
Pham Thi Thanh Huong, head of the culture division at the UNESCO Office in Hanoi, emphasized the importance of sharing experiences among network members to transform cities into better living environments. She expressed UNESCO’s hope for expanded contributions from network members, encouraging cities to implement diverse initiatives, share knowledge, mobilize resources, and connect experts and creators at local and international levels.
The conference served as a platform for ASEAN countries to exchange experiences in cultural resources and creation and encouraged more cities in the bloc to join the network. It also represented a part of Hanoi’s ongoing efforts since its inclusion in the network in late 2019.
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network, established in 2004, focuses on enhancing cooperation among cities where creativity is a key component of sustainable development.