In 2005, the North Eastern Cultural UNESCO Club was founded in Quang Ninh and Hai Duong with the acceptance and patronage of the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations. Initially, the small membership comprised artists, jounalists, teachers, businessmen, activists and ordinary citizens who were united by their love of national cultural values and the UNESCO ideal. Despite the difficulty created by the unfamiliarity of UNESCO to locals , these founding members forged ahead. Three years later, the Club was awarded commendations by the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations and the local authorities.

In 2008, the club become the North Eastern Cultural UNESCO Centre. Now, the centre has enlarged its membership to 400, and is active in 15 provinces. Its distribution of materials and labour have helped to recover and develop national cultural values, while raising intellectual standards.

Hundreds of cultural activities- composition, art practice, editing, publishing, scientific education, historical research, conservation and preservation and talent recognition,as well as charity activities- have been held successfully in many provinces with the enthusiasm  and participation of hundreds of members.

A meeting was held in Chi Linh Cultural House, Hai Duong province on November 24, 2010 to celebate the fifth anniversary of the Centre. Many members from Tay Nguyen, Lang Son, and from the central provinces of Vietnam attended this event. For this occasion, the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations communicated with thousands  of  its active leaders and members. The action programme in 2011-2015 was also discussed and approved, and a new board of directors, led by musician Mr. Nguyen Van Lien,was elected. Doi moi Labour Hero , Mr. Tran Van Sen, historian , Mr.Tang Ba Hoanh, and businesswomen Ms. Hoang Thi Hong were invited to be the members of an Advisory Committee

Mr.Nguyen Xuan Thang, the chairman of Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations, attended the meeting to encourage and cite the achievements of the North Eastern Cultural Centre’s leaders and members over last 5 years./.

Source: Ngay Nay Magazine