UNESCO and SOVICO Group strengthen ties to promote science, technology, and sustainable development, with a focus on culture, AI, and women's STEM education.

At UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, Ms. Lidia Arthur Brito, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO in charge of Natural Sciences and Social Sciences, met with a high-level delegation of SOVICO Group, led by Chairwoman Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao.

The meeting was an opportunity for both parties to evaluate the positive results of past cooperation, and discuss new development directions, especially in the fields of science, technology and innovation for sustainable development.

SOVICO Group expressed their high appreciation for its flagship cooperation projects with UNESCO in the field of culture and creativity. These initiatives have played a key role in developing a network of creative cities in Vietnam, with Hanoi standing out as a leading example. They not only encourage youth participation, but also help position culture and innovation as driving forces for sustainable urban development.

In response, Ms. Brito conveyed her keen interest in expanding cooperation in the field of natural sciences, especially through UNESCO’s network of biosphere reserves. She proposed the idea of connecting heritage sites and biosphere areas through “cultural-heritage itineraries” – experiences that blend nature, culture and sustainable education.

The two parties also discussed shared priorities in the field of artificial intelligence and technology. UNESCO welcomed SOVICO’s upcoming participation in the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on Ethics of AI in Bangkok, and its ongoing commitment to advancing STEM education for women and girls.

Delegates from UNESCO and SOVICO Group share a light moment during a meeting at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, June 2025.

Ms. Brito emphasized that with the support of partners like SOVICO, women and girls can not only access technology, but also become creators of it.

Discussions also touched on the vision of developing a network of "innovative cities" where technology, culture and art form the foundation for comprehensive urban development.
 
At the meeting, Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao welcomed UNESCO’s cooperation proposals, and expressed her desire to continue working with UNESCO on systematic, in-depth initiatives connected to Vietnamese cultural identity.

The presence of senior leaders from UNESCO and SOVICO Group at the meeting underscored the strategic, comprehensive and growing partnership between UNESCO and the private sector – particularly with SOVICO Group, a pioneer in Vietnam’s collaboration with UNESCO towards the sustainable development goals.