Advancing International Cultural Exchange Through Events in Can Tho

Can Tho Boosts Coordinated Communication to Stop IUU Fishing

People-to-People Diplomacy in Can Tho 2025: Mobilizing Global Resources for Growth

This was shared by Le Thi Thanh Giang, President of the Can Tho City Union of Friendship Organizations, on the sidelines of the conference reviewing five years of implementation of Action Program No. 15/CTr-UBND issued by the Can Tho City People’s Committee to realize Project No. 07-DA/TU of the municipal Party Committee on cultural development in Can Tho for the 2021–2030 period. At the conference, the Can Tho City Union of Friendship Organizations was honored as one of the outstanding role models with notable achievements in international cultural exchange and cooperation.

Le Thi Thanh Giang, President of the Can Tho City Union of Friendship Organizations. (Photo: Can Tho Newspaper)

According to Le Thi Thanh Giang, in recent years, Can Tho City has proactively and effectively implemented international cultural exchange and cooperation activities in alignment with the Cultural Diplomacy Strategy to 2030 and the Politburo’s Resolution No. 59 on international integration in the new context. As a specialized socio-political organization for people-to-people diplomacy, the Can Tho City Union of Friendship Organizations currently comprises 21 member friendship associations with more than 4,000 members. It has actively expanded partnerships, established, and maintained friendly relations with over 100 international partners, including diplomatic missions, non-governmental organizations, business associations, and twinned localities.

Over the years, the Union, in coordination with its member associations and relevant departments and agencies, has organized numerous cultural and artistic exchange events and people-to-people activities in diverse formats and at varying scales. Notable examples include Vietnam–Indonesia, Vietnam–Philippines, Vietnam–Japan, and Vietnam–India cultural exchange programs, as well as events such as Korea Culture Day, the International Day of Yoga, and Francophonie Day. In addition, many friendship exchange activities have been held to mark milestone anniversaries of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and other countries, contributing to the further strengthening of friendship and cooperation between Can Tho and its international partners.

Through cultural exchange and people-to-people activities, the Can Tho City Union of Friendship Organizations has mobilized resources and coordinated efforts to establish several international cultural spaces across the city, including the Jeollanamdo Corner (Republic of Korea), India Corner, French-language Book Space, US Corner, and Indonesia Corner, among others. These spaces have become familiar destinations, attracting large numbers of pupils and students to explore the cultures, languages, and people of different countries.

The Vietnam–United States Friendship Festival held in Can Tho City in September 2025. (Photo: Can Tho Newspaper)

Alongside cultural exchange activities, the Can Tho City Union of Friendship Organizations has also effectively fulfilled its role as a bridge in mobilizing foreign non-governmental aid. During the 2019–2025 period, more than 30 foreign non-governmental organizations implemented social welfare and humanitarian projects, as well as livelihood support programs for residents in remote, disadvantaged, and ethnic minority areas of Can Tho City, with total aid exceeding VND 450 billion. These projects focused on key areas such as education, healthcare, environmental protection, and community development.

According to the President of the Can Tho City Union of Friendship Organizations, international exchange programs and events have been organized in an increasingly professional and dignified manner, thereby contributing to the promotion of the image of Vietnam and its people in general, and Can Tho City in particular, among international friends and partners. The Vietnam–United States Friendship Exchange Program, held in Can Tho in September 2025, is regarded as a notable highlight of the city’s cultural diplomacy efforts in 2025.

To further strengthen Can Tho’s cultural diplomacy in the coming period, Le Thi Thanh Giang emphasized the need for clearer assignment of responsibilities in coordination and international partner engagement. This would enable proactive collaboration with embassies, consulates general, foreign cultural centers, non-governmental organizations, and foreign business associations to develop long-term cultural cooperation programs, with priority given to traditional and strategic partners as well as countries with large business communities in Vietnam.

Another important orientation is the development of international cultural exchange events branded under Can Tho, to be held on an annual or biennial basis. Proposed events include the Can Tho International Cultural Exchange Festival, the Mekong Delta International Film Week, the International Street Art Festival, the Southern Folk Cake Festival, the Ba Ba Costume Festival, and the Ngo Boat Racing Festival. In this regard, the participation of young artists, creative groups, and local pupils and students is strongly encouraged.

In addition, accelerating the application of digital technology in cultural exchange, such as virtual exhibitions, online film screenings, and artist exchanges via digital platforms, along with the development of multilingual information channels and enhanced communication on social media, is considered an appropriate approach in the current context. Cultural diplomacy should also be closely linked with tourism, trade, and people-to-people diplomacy, viewing culture as both a resource and a driving force for sustainable socio-economic development.

Finally, according to Le Thi Thanh Giang, investment in human resource development for cultural diplomacy plays a pivotal role. Alongside the implementation of programs and projects, greater attention should be given to training in external relations skills, cross-cultural communication, and international event management. At the same time, a network of young collaborators, including foreign-language students, overseas Vietnamese, and international experts living and working in Can Tho, should be developed to create a solid foundation for cultural diplomacy in the era of deep international integration.

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