Pigeons and balloons are released at the celebration on Saturday marking the 20th anniversary of the capital city's recognition as a ‘City for Peace’ by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).VNA/VNS Photo Thành Đạt

HÀ NỘI — A ceremony was held in Hà Nội on Saturday to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the capital city's recognition as a ‘City for Peace’ by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) (July 16). 

Twenty years ago, Hà Nội was honoured by UNESCO with the title during a ceremony held in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia. Hà Nội remains the only capital in the Asia-Pacific region to receive the recognition. 

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyễn Đức Chung said that with its cultural diversity, improving business climate, stable defence and security, "Hà Nội is well known worldwide as a safe and friendly destination". 

He hailed the recognition as a significant political event that contributed to improving the stature of Viet Nam and Hà Nội on the international stage.

He said Hà Nội was preparing dossiers to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, making it easier to promote the city in diverse areas.

UNESCO’s Assistant Director General for External Relations Firmin Edouard Matoko lauded strides in bilateral co-operation between UNESCO and Việt Nam over the past two decades and expressed his belief that the city was well positioned to become a centre of creativity, which is a major component of culture. 

Deputy Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Việt Nam National Commission for UNESCO Lê Hoài Trung said that over the past 1,000 years, Hà Nội had reinforced its position as the country’s political, economic, cultural, scientific-technological centre. 

On the occasion, municipal leaders and UNESCO representatives inaugurated the website “Hà Nội – Creative City”. 

Delegates later released pigeons to convey the message of peace and prosperity. 

The same morning, at Lý Thái Tổ flower garden in Hoàn Kiếm District in the heart of the city, municipal leaders and representatives from diplomatic agencies and international organisations joined a walk for peace and a street festival with more than 10,000 artists and people taking part. 

Yesterday morning, a street carnival with the participation of nearly 100 domestic and foreign artists was also held on the pedestrian streets in Hoàn Kiếm.
They also joined a parade around Hoàn Kiếm Lake and stopped at Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục square and Hàng Khay – Hai Bà Trưng intersection.

The carnival included dances and circus performances as well as many of Hà Nội's traditional foods. VNS