UN, SOVICO Group help turn Ha Noi into creative city

The event was attended by senior government representatives and development partners who signaled their strong support to this innovative public-private partnership and their hope for new initiatives that unite the private sector, development partners and government to support sustainable development and help Viet Nam realize its objectives in the Decade of Action for the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The MoU was signed by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam, Mr. Kamal Malhotra and Chairwoman and CEO of the SOVICO Group, Madame Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao. 

This partnership between SOVICO Group and the UN marks the first strategic cooperation of a Vietnamese corporation with the UN in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Noting that both parties share common interests in promoting youth engagement, green growth and the protection and promotion of natural and cultural heritages in Viet Nam, the MoU establishes a long-term framework for action and calls on the parties to work to broaden this partnership with other Vietnamese businesses.

As a first step, SOVICO Group will collaborate with the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) to support Ha Noi’s development as a UNESCO Creative City through the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage, revitalization of craft villages and supporting creative hubs to nurture the young creative talent of Ha Noi.

Guided by the values of sustainability and respect for local culture, the partnership envisions the development of Ha Noi as a creative capital, building on its creative past and the energy of its youth.

Speaking to the gathering of interested parties including government ministries, city officials and international partners, Ms. Thao stressed that this partnership with the UN to support Ha Noi’s cultural heritage and development demonstrates the continued commitment of SOVICO and its affiliates to support the long-term development of Viet Nam by assisting youth leadership to make meaningful contributions to social, cultural and economic development in the country.

For his part, Mr. Kamal Malhotra noted that with this new partnership, SOVICO Group demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development in Viet Nam and to the principles and values of the UN.

By Vien Nhu