The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on November 4 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in sustainable, equitable development and international integration in the field of ethnic affairs.

Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Y Thong and UNDP Resident Representative Ramla Khalidi sign the MoU.

The MoU, based on principles of equality, respect, and non-legally binding cooperation, establishes a framework for collaboration in areas of mutual interest. It aims to enhance the effectiveness of state management in ethnic affairs while promoting comprehensive, deep, and substantive international integration in the time to come.

Under the agreement, the two sides will cooperate during 2025-2030, with a vision toward 2045, focusing on key areas such as implementing the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), following CERD recommendations, and engaging with other international human rights mechanisms under the ministry’s mandate.

The cooperation also covers experience exchange in areas including livelihood and entrepreneurship support, raising awareness of international integration, green and circular economy development, and digital transformation.

Additional areas include increasing the participation of ethnic minority communities in public leadership, environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and promoting Vietnam’s achievements in ethnic affairs to the international community.

Both parties agreed to maintain regular information exchange and consultation, coordinate in organising conferences, workshops, training sessions, and communication activities, ensuring transparency and recognition of each other’s contributions.

Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Y Thong said the MoU demonstrates Vietnam’s proactiveness and responsibility in sharing practical experience in ethnic affairs, and promoting dialogue, understanding, and cooperation for sustainable, humane development.

Through collaboration with UNDP, the ministry aims to mobilise global resources, expertise, and initiatives to support inclusive and sustainable development for ethnic minority and mountainous communities.

UNDP Resident Representative Ramla Khalidi highlighted that the MoU establishes a strategic cooperation framework aligned with Vietnam’s national target programmes and sustainable development goals.

The new partnership marks a promising phase, building on the long-standing and effective cooperation between UNDP and the Vietnamese Government, and reinforces a shared vision of inclusive development and protection of ethnic minority rights nationwide.

Ethnic minorities and unique spring customs in Bac Giang

BAC GIANG - In the trend of integration and development, many cultural heritages are gradually faded. However, several ethnic minorities in Bac Giang province still preserve unique cultural features in spring.

Culture-tourism village hosts ethnic people's traditional activities

The Vietnamese Ethnic Culture and Tourism Village will host a vibrant series of activities from February 1 to 28 to celebrate the Lunar New Year (Year of the Snake) Festival.

San Chay ethnic people keep the flame of Tac Xing folk dance alive

Every year, when the spring comes, the San Chay ethnic community in Phu Luong District, Thai Nguyen Province, joyfully celebrates their traditional new crop festival with the lively sounds and rhythms of the Tac Xing folk dance. This dance carries profound meaning and is considered to be a bridge connecting heaven and earth, the past and present, and generations before and now.

Artistic, cultural programme to feature spring colours of ethnic groups

A series of cultural activities and art performance to welcome spring imbued with unique cultural identities of Vietnam's ethnic groups will be featured in a programme at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in the outskirts of Hanoi from January 1 to 31, 2025.

 

4 ethnic minority students from Bac Giang honored nationwide

Outstanding ethnic minority students and young people were honoured at a ceremony co-organised by the Government's Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Training, and the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee in Hanoi on September 28, including 4 ethnic minority students from Bac Giang province.

Pieu scarf: A cultural icon of Thai ethnic people in Lai Chau Province

Pieu scarves are not only an item to protect against the sun and wind but also a symbol of love between couples and a cultural icon in the life of Thai ethnic people in Lai Chau Province.