Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other international organisations in Geneva, introduces photos to vistors (Photo: VNA)

Geneva (VNA) – A photo exhibition on natural and culturalheritage in Vietnam took place at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Switzerlandon December 11.

Jointlyheld by the Permanent Mission of Vietnam in Geneva and the UN Office at Geneva(UNOG), the event saw the participation of ambassadors, heads of missions,and representatives from countries and international organisations, and delegatesfrom UN member countries attending the High-LevelEvent Commemorating the 75thAnniversary of the UniversalDeclaration of HumanRights.

Inher opening speech, Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, Permanent Representative ofVietnam to the UN, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other internationalorganisations in Geneva, emphasised the significance of the exhibition, sayingthat it shows the profound connection between human rights and the preservationand development of cultural and natural heritage.

Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other international organisations in Geneva speaks at the opening ceremony of the exhibition (Photo: VNA)

Mai expressed her hope that through theexhibition, international friends will understand more about Vietnam’s cultural diversity wherecommunities of 54 ethnic groups coexist in a harmonious and united manner.

She also underlined Vietnam’s active and responsibleparticipation in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC)’s operation as a memberfor the 2023-2025 tenure.

Tatiana Valovaya, General Director of UNOG, applauded Vietnam for organising this event, affirming that theUN always pays attention to promoting cultural diversity and considers it afoundation for peace, cooperation, and mutual understanding among nations to builda more harmonious and prosperous world.

Theexhibition provides a deep insight into the life of various ethnic communitiesin Vietnam reflects the enduring cultural values passed down through generations,and highlights the development of unique cultural identities within thesecommunities, she said, adding that it also demonstrates the country’s persistentefforts to preserve the world cultural heritage.

Preserving cultural heritage is essential for future generations, and bothtangible and intangible cultural heritage serve as valuable resources and catalystsfor achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), she noted.

Valovaya also underlined the activeparticipation of Vietnamese women in efforts to preserve and develop culturaldiversity, as well as implement SDGs.

The two-day exhibition is part of a programme toenhance mutual understanding, dialogue a♌nd cooperation, as well as commitmentsto common values relate to human rights, and for peace, development andhappiness of people./.