Also in attendance were ambassadors, heads of agencies and international organizations in Vietnam, as well as representatives from various businesses. Before the program began, the delegates observed a moment of silence to honor the victims of Typhoon Yagi and the recent floods in Vietnam and other countries. Speaking at the announcement ceremony, the French Ambassador to Vietnam, Olivier Brochet, stated that the Art for Climate series would be held in 2025 in one of the planet’s most stunning natural wonders – Ha Long Bay. According to Olivier Brochet, the project will help to realize a vision that aligns perfectly with current global challenges, combining art and environmental responsibility to raise awareness about protecting the planet. 

Deputy Minister Ha Kim Ngoc expressed gratitude for the support of countries and international organizations that have joined Vietnam in efforts to alleviate the suffering and losses of the population. The President of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO stated, ‘Our responsibility is to ensure that humanity can live in harmony with nature, while simultaneously uniting efforts to conserve, preserve, and sustainably use natural resources and Earth’s ecosystems.’

According to Deputy Minister Ha Kim Ngoc, achieving these goals requires joint efforts and international cooperation, with close participation and coordination across all levels, sectors, organizations, and individuals. Emphasizing that culture is the driving force that shapes human life wherever it exists, Deputy Minister Ha Kim Ngoc remarked that culture has a unique power that transcends all boundaries, evoking emotions and reflections that contribute to promoting conservation actions and the preservation of Earth.

However, culture is not yet being sufficiently incorporated into climate action programs, and this must change.

The President of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO affirmed that cooperation is essential to addressing climate change through a cultural perspective, placing culture at the center of climate action. In this regard, UNESCO is currently promoting efforts to integrate culture and heritage into the climate change response agenda for a peaceful, prosperous, low-emission, and sustainable future.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc informed that Vietnam is now working closely with UNESCO to fully leverage cultural values, making culture a cornerstone of the climate change response.