Periodic Report Viet Nam

The Report was prepared by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, highlighting: cultural policies and measures; international co-operation; the integration of culture in sustainable development policies; protection of cultural expressions under threat; awareness-raising and participation of civil society; main achievements and challenges to the implementation of the Convention; as well as data and information (sources and statistics) in pursuance to the regulations of UNESCO.

According to the viewpoint of UNESCO, cultural diversity is reflected in three different aspects: the right to cultural enjoyment, the right to cultural expression; and the right to recognition and respect for traditions, customs, history and cultural differences. The Report is designed based on this orientation, reflecting the reality Viet Nam has experienced, including challenges with regard to the protection of cultural diversity.

As a member of the Convention, Viet Nam has carried out many policies and measures to preserve the cultural diversity of a multi-racial country with a long history which stretches over many geographical regions and has recently undergone the process of enhanced industrialization and international integration. This process has provided opportunities for cultural development, but has also exposed potential threats and challenges to the cultural diversity and identities of many ethnic minorities. Cultural diversity is indicated in the system of cultural policies, orientations, investment preferences, target programmes and tax system, as well as integrated into the general socio-economic development strategy and reflected in the preservation of the heritages and cultures of the ethnic minorities, which are affected by modernization and widespread internationalization. The biggest challenge faced by Viet Nam is how to minimize the impacts of modernization on cultural diversity, creating a fair social environment where, against a background of international integration, the capacity for creativity is enhanced and everyone can enjoy culture in a market economy. Making strategies and policies to develop cultural industries will be the key to this process, together with other policies designed to protect and develop traditional and ethnic culture, which is a major strength of Viet Nam.