Cultural and People-to-people Diplomacy Connect Future Generations of Viet Nam and Russia

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Mai Nguyen Tuyet Hoa, First Secretary in charge of education, representative of the Ministry of Education and Training of Viet Nam in Russia. (Photo: Bach Duong)

In her speech regarding the topic of "Cultural and educational diplomacy: A bridge between the people of Vietnam and Russia", Mai Nguyen Tuyet Hoa, First Secretary in charge of education, representative of the Ministry of Education and Training of Viet Nam in Russia, emphasized the important role of people-to-people diplomacy in supporting state diplomacy, especially in culture and education.

The combination of these two fields in people-to-people diplomacy is of great significance. While education is the most effective way to transmit culture, culture is the foundation to enrich the spiritual life in the educational environment.

Seminar “Culture, Education, Art: Connecting Heritage and Future”. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

In Russia, activities to promote Vietnamese culture are carried out in a variety of ways, such as "Viet Nam Day" held at major universities, cultural and artistic festivals, a series of programs honoring the Vietnamese language, as well as academic and art forums . These activities not only provide international friends with a better understanding of the country, culture and people of Viet Nam, but also offer opportunities for Vietnamese students to practice their skills, nurture national pride and become "cultural ambassadors" in the international environment.

The 2025 Viet Nam Cultural Festival, themed "Viet Nam - Colors from the Tropics" at Red Square, Moscow (July 2025) attracted nearly 1 million visitors, affirming the influence of cultural diplomacy in strengthening friendship between the two peoples. Dialogue programs and meetings among intellectuals, artists, and politicians also contribute to connecting generations, inspiring and orienting young Vietnamese people in Russia.

In the Russian Federation, people-to-people diplomacy in culture and education has been effectively implemented through the coordination of multiple parties. Mai Nguyen Tuyet Hoa proposed five solutions to enhance Viet Nam’s image in Russia, including supporting the establishment and maintenance of Vietnamese Cultural Clubs at major Russian universities; organizing “Viet Nam Day” activities; developing “Open Cultural Classes” and integrating content about Viet Nam into regular lessons at Russian high schools and universities; promoting Vietnamese culture via short videos on digital platforms; connecting with former Russian students to inspire and guide the current generation; and working closely with Russian grassroots partners to organize cultural events.

At the conference, Yury Snisarenko, Director of the Saint-Petersburg Science Foundation, highlighted the special role of Saint-Petersburg as the historical capital of modern Russian science and education. He noted that the city is an international hub, hosting over 41,000 students and postgraduates from 160 countries, including Viet Nam.

Yury Snisarenko, Director of the Saint-Petersburg Science Foundation, delivered a speech at the seminar. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Over 300 Vietnamese students are currently studying in Saint-Petersburg. Educational and research cooperation with Viet Nam is regarded as a strategic priority. To date, Saint-Petersburg has signed 70 agreements with Vietnamese universities and research institutes, resulting in numerous joint projects in biomedicine, digital technology, and robotics.

Albina Legostaeva, representative of the Russian State Museum of Oriental Art, noted that the promotion of Vietnamese art in Russia began in the mid-20th century, significantly supported by people-to-people diplomacy. The museum’s collection of valuable Vietnamese artifacts vividly reflects the longstanding friendship between Viet Nam and the Russian Federation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, both sides embraced new forms of collaboration, including online exhibitions and seminars, thereby expanding the scope of museum exchange.

She emphasized that cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges serve not only as a foundation for political and economic dialogue but also as a means of shaping a positive national image on the global stage. Looking ahead, she expressed hope that Viet Nam - Russia museum cooperation will continue to grow and deepen, becoming a vital channel within the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

The seminar provided a platform to review achievements in cultural, educational, and artistic cooperation between Viet Nam and the Russian Federation, while also paving the way for new, practical, and creative initiatives. It stands as a testament to the enduring strength of people-to-people diplomacy, reinforcing the foundation of traditional friendship and enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

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