Phùng Hưng Street in Hà Nội. – VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI – Domestic and international experts have acknowledged Hà Nội’s activeness in implementing its initiatives and commitments as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, particularly the engagement of the entire community in creative activities.

The evaluation was made at an event held by the municipal Department of Culture and Sports and the UNESCO Office in Việt Nam on Tuesday to review the capital city’s performance since it became a member of the network in the field of design four years ago.

Đỗ Đình Hồng, director of the Department of Culture and Sports, said that Hà Nội has obtained a number of good results carrying out initiatives to promote creative design in its cultural, economic, and social development programmes. Apart from holding national and international workshops and conferences, the city has also devised many mechanisms, policies, and plans to boost the building of a creative city.

Christian Manhart, head of the UNESCO Office in Việt Nam, said Hà Nội is moving in the right direction in working to realise its creative city vision.

He said he is impressed with the city’s achievements based on the capitalisation of cultural resources, especially the successful organisation of the creative design festival and the provision of conditions for local residents to take part in creative activities.

Manhart expressed his belief that Hà Nội will maintain its role as an active member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network to connect and cooperate with others in the network.

Other experts also shared the view that the capital city of Hà Nội has been making the right moves in implementing its initiatives and commitments to UNESCO.

Dr Nguyễn Thị Thu Phương, director of the Việt Nam National Institute of Culture and Arts Studies, recommended that Hà Nội should take appropriate steps to realise its ambition of establishing itself as the capital of creativity in Southeast Asia.

It should pay attention to all groups in society, particularly the young and the vulnerable. Creativity competitions need to attract multiple groups of participants. Hà Nội should build a creative city not only for itself but also a role model for others nationwide to develop into creative cities as well, she added.

At the event, participants also discussed Hà Nội’s cooperation with relevant parties to carry out commitments and suggested the issues that need to be addressed in the future.

They said Hà Nội has much room for designing and creation activities thanks to the diversity of cultural heritage, traditional craft villages, and other cultural resources, which are endless sources of inspiration for creativity.

Many partners also pledged to give assistance in developing the creative city of Hà Nội, raise its stature, and attract other parties in creative activities. VNS