On the evening of January 10, 2026, at Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square, the opening ceremony of the program “Creative Convergence – Journey to the Hanoi Festival of Creative Design 2026” took place. The program was directed by the Hanoi People’s Committee and the Vietnam Association of Architects, and organized by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports in collaboration with Architecture Magazine.
In attendance and providing direction at the event were Mr. Jonathan Baker, Head of the UNESCO Office in Vietnam; Mr. Bùi Hoài Sơn, Standing Member of the National Assembly’s Committee for Culture and Education; Ms. Vũ Thu Hà, Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Committee; Mr. Hoàng Thúc Hào, Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Architects; and Mr. Phạm Tuấn Long, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, along with leaders of central ministries and agencies and representatives of Hanoi authorities.
The program also received the support of Sovico Group and sponsorship from the following organizations: Honda Vietnam; Viglacera Hạ Long; Lotte Department Store; Lixil Vietnam; ADES Lighting Vietnam; LG Electronics Vietnam; Minh Long Wood; Tasco Mall; and T.SPACE Vietnam.
Speaking at the event, Jonathan Wallace Baker, Head of the UNESCO Representative Office in Vietnam, noted: “Since its launch in 2021, the Festival of Creative Design has continuously evolved into a meeting point for the creative community, not only within Vietnam but increasingly across the region. It serves as a platform where ideas at every stage – from initial sketches to initiatives already in implementation – have the opportunity to be seen, heard, nurtured, and supported. Today’s Creative Convergence event is a vivid testament to that spirit, bringing together people, disciplines, and perspectives to foster dialogue, collaboration, and innovation.
As a UNESCO Creative City of Design, Hanoi has clearly and consistently demonstrated that creativity is not merely cultural expression. It is also a powerful driver of social cohesion, innovation, and sustainable development. Through appropriate supportive policies, focused programs, and the active engagement of public agencies, private – sector partners, and creative individuals, Hanoi is steadily affirming its position as a growing creative hub and a meeting point for creativity in Asia”. He also reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to accompanying Vietnam and Hanoi in building a dynamic, connected, and future-oriented creative ecosystem.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Vũ Thu Hà, Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, emphasized: “With the participation of 200 creative units, today’s Creative Convergence program serves as a meeting point to foster innovative spirit within the creative community. It creates opportunities for exchange, connection, and cooperation among businesses, educational institutions, cultural management agencies, and creative partners, forming a multidimensional network that supports the development of initiatives, products, and cultural industry models within the Capital’s creative ecosystem.
Beyond its two days of activities, the program will launch a series of creative initiatives throughout 2026, including networking, dialogue, experimentation, and creative experiences across various urban spaces in the Capital. Hanoi aspires to create more vibrant creative spaces for residents and visitors; to unlock creative resources within society; and to gradually enhance the City’s appeal, identity, and competitiveness in the region and internationally.
Hanoi hopes to continue receiving the partnership, sharing, and cooperation of UNESCO, international organizations, creative cities, experts, artists, and creative communities both domestically and internationally, so that the Hanoi Festival of Creative Design 2026 will truly become a platform for connection, dissemination, and the creation of long-term sustainable value, strengthening the brand and identity of the Capital”.
The “Creative Convergence” program is held in celebration of the 14th National Party Congress for the 2025 – 2030 term and in implementation of Resolution 57-NQ/TW issued by the Politburo on December 22, 2024, which identifies the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key priorities. The program aims to connect creative resources, inspire ideas, and mark the beginning of the journey toward the Hanoi Festival of Creative Design 2026 scheduled for November 2026. It also serves as an opportunity to initiate key tasks and lay the foundation for building Hanoi’s urban creative ecosystem, starting with the 2026 Festival.
© Vietnam Architecture Magazine
