Collective efforts for “Ha Noi- Creative Capital”

the first consultation workshop under the project “Mobilizing Cultural Dynamics and Youth Participation towards Ha Noi Creative Capital”, Ha Noi, April 8, 2021 - Photo: VGP/Thuy Dung

It drew representation from various stakeholders including Ha Noi City, government ministries and departments, national and international experts and representatives of the private sector. This opportunity helps these concerned stakeholders to gain an overview of the initiative, share experiences, and discuss potential collaboration.

Home to some eight million people, Ha Noi capital represents a multi-layered culture with creativity at its heart. Exemplifying this is a rich tapestry of cultural resources, including thousands of heritage sites, 1350 traditional craft villages, and an emerging community of designers and innovators and creative spaces across the city.

Today, Ha Noi capital is experiencing a profound change in the country's context's rapid economic development, finding itself at a turning point where history and tradition converge and contrast with modernity. Recognized as UNESCO City of Peace in 1999 and again as a UNESCO Creative City of Design in 2019, Ha Noi has committed to place culture and creativity at the core of its sustainable development, within a wider vision to become a leading creative hub of Southeast Asia.

Contributing to Ha Noi’s efforts to realize its strategic vision as a Creative City, UNESCO, UNIDO, and UN Habitat in partnership with SOVICO Group have jointly developed the project “Mobilizing Cultural Dynamics and Youth Participation towards Ha Noi Creative Capital.” This initiative aims to harness Ha Noi’s cultural assets and youth participation as key agents for innovation, creativity and social change.

The project’s first consultation workshop on 8 April 2021 attracted important stakeholders from Ha Noi City, government ministries and departments, national and international experts and representatives of the private sector.

Discussion revolved around three key areas of effort required to support the vision of a Creative Capital: (1) Urban regeneration; (2) promoting an educational network that stimulates creativity and (3) strategic cultural events. Covering these themes, the workshop also considered approaches to strengthen multi-stakeholder partnership in creative industries, improve rural-urban linkage and foster necessary conditions to nourish youth’s creativity.

Speaking to the participants, UNESCO Representative Michael Croft stated that “Creative City is both a narrative for the City’s development and a platform for cooperation around this vision”, noting that many organizations and individuals had welcomed an opportunity to examine how best to channel the talent and energy represented by the many diverse initiatives promoting creativity and innovation in the capital towards a common goal. 

Dr. Nguyen Quang, Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) also emphasized that “Innovation must place sustainable development at the center, meaning people live and connect with the ecosystem.

Increasing labor productivity, improving people's quality of life, protecting the environment, saving energy, creating a harmonious, safe and equal community, etc. are our ultimate goals. For innovation to be successful, a commitment from the government is required for creative thinking and cultural diversity environment.”

Recognizing the vital role of youth in cultural and creative industries, later in the week, a Youth Speak Dialogue and Youth Networking Workshop will complement this discussion, highlighting opportunities and challenges and examining ways to better link creative hubs and initiatives. Together, these series of workshops provide a firm foundation for the participation of concerned stakeholders to foster a common understanding of – and a common approach to-the realization of the Ha Noi - Creative Capital vision and the national priorities that underline it.

By Thuy Dung