Hanoi:The Second Cultures of the World Festival was held in Hanoi from October 1 to 4, 2026, under the theme 'Heritage Convergence - Shaping the Future'. This event brought together art troupes and cultural organizations from 50 countries, featuring national cuisine, films, traditional costume showcases, and international art programs with nearly 220 artists from five continents.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the festival marked the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's membership in UNESCO and aimed to promote cultural heritage, mutual understanding, and friendship among nations, while reinforcing Hanoi role as an international center of culture and cultural diplomacy. Senior Vietnamese officials, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre Director Lazare Eloundou Assomo, and heads of diplomatic missions attended the opening ceremony.
The artistic program included performances by renowned Vietnamese artists and traditional ensembles, while the international segment featured music, dance, and martial arts by groups from countries such as Azerbaijan, China, Indonesia, Israel, the Republic of Korea, Laos, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Peru, and Ukraine. A highlight was the performance by renowned Azerbaijani saz player and ashug Ramin Garayev, which was well-received by festivalgoers.
Azerbaijan's presence at the festival included two pavilions showcasing national souvenirs, Vietnamese-language books, historical photographs of Heydar Aliyev's 1983 visit to Vietnam, and Vietnam's President Ho Chi Minh's 1959 visit to Baku. Azerbaijani cuisine was also offered to guests. After the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra and other officials visited the Azerbaijan pavilion to explore its cultural exhibits and sample the renowned Istisu mineral water from Kalbajar.
The presentation of Istisu aimed to highlight Azerbaijan's natural resources and Kalbajar's unique heritage, with plans for its official import and sale in Vietnam pending the completion of registration procedures. The Azerbaijan pavilion was one of the festival's most visited, with partnerships from the Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism and local culinary businesses alongside the Embassy.