The British Council officially launched the UK/Viet Nam Season 2023 on June 14, a series of programs from June to December that showcase and celebrate the best of educational and cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

Celebrating the British Council’s 30^th anniversary in Vietnam and 50 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the UK, the UK/Viet Nam Season, with the twin themes of “Climate and the Environment” and “Shared Heritage”, is expected to bring together thought leaders, academics, educators, entrepreneurs, and artists from various organizations in Vietnam and the UK to share ideas and experiences and discuss existing and future cooperation in the areas of arts and culture, education, and the English language.

The launch highlighted the role of the British Council as a partner of choice and leading advocate of the arts and education in Vietnam, focused on environmental sustainability, digital heritage, and inclusive growth. Some of the most innovative and creative work from Vietnamese and UK artists and organizations were showcased at the launch.

Mr. Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, said it is delighted to bring its exciting cooperation to Vietnam in celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 30th anniversary of the British Council in the country.

“We hope that the UK/Viet Nam Season will deepen the UK’s relations with Vietnam and provide an opportunity for people from both countries to strengthen existing bonds and forge new creative partnerships in English, Education, and Arts and Culture - areas that we believe have the power to unite people around the world.”

Tackling climate change is a key theme of the UK/Viet Nam Season and a shared priority for the citizens and governments of both Vietnam and the UK. In cooperation with top universities and organizations from both countries, the UK/Viet Nam Season will host hackathons, residencies, symposiums, and digital exhibitions to introduce and showcase innovative and creative solutions to addressing climate change.

Another key theme of the UK/Viet Nam Season is shared heritage, where participants will share, reflect, and explore Vietnam - UK ties through cultural heritage in all forms. The Season will feature diverse programs that showcase the richness of the special relationship between the two countries, including one-of-a-kind major music festival performances that promise a sonic journey into the heart of residents from Hue to Manchester.

Within the framework of the UK/Viet Nam Season, continued cooperation between the British Council in Vietnam and the government has also been fostered through the signing of an MoU between the British Council and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The MoU will enable the two parties to engage in mutually-beneficial cooperation in the arts, heritage sector, and cultural and creative industries, and reinforces the shared vision of supporting  Vietnamese - UK cooperation and partnerships and strengthening connections between the two peoples.

The British Council has been witness to Vietnam flourishing over the past 30 years, and is excited to continue to contribute to the development of its English proficiency, education, and arts and culture, according to Ms. Donna McGowan, Director of the British Council Vietnam. “By bringing together experts from the UK and Vietnam to discuss and help us address the global mission of creating a more sustainable world, participants of our programs can learn and raise their voice about some of the most important challenges facing our planet and how to nurture cultural heritage from our shared histories,” she said.

In addition, the UK/Viet Nam Season 2023 program furthers the British Council’s mission to foster discussions, cooperation, and initiatives around key issues to strengthen the development of the Vietnam - UK partnership and ignite a brighter future ahead. “By providing a foundation for the creation of lasting partnerships, the UK/Viet Nam Season will connect ideas and experiences from Vietnam and the UK, giving a platform for conversations on shared challenges,” Ms. McGowan added.

Reflecting on the partnership between the British Council and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Dr. Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director General of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, noted that the Ministry and the British Council have worked closely for years to strengthen relations between Vietnam and the UK and develop capabilities in arts and culture. “Our cultural heritage is an important source of creativity and innovation, and we are committed to nurturing new initiatives and works inspired by our shared heritage,” he said.

“By creating contemporary dialogues and stimulating new narratives, we can draw inspiration from our shared histories and forge a stronger bond between our countries. The UK/Viet Nam Season celebrates the longstanding relationship between Vietnam and the UK and promises to build new connections and create a shared future for the next generation.”