Co-organised by the municipal Department of Culture and Sports, the French Institute, the UNESCO Office in Vietnam, and other partners, the month-long event wrapped up in Hanoi on November 30. It served as a platform to amplify cultural exchange, art dialogue, and Hanoi’s global visibility as a UNESCO Creative City.

In her closing speech, Director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports Bach Lien Huong stressed that the biennale’s success underscores the value of sustained collaboration.

Hanoi, she said, will continue spreading creative projects, particularly photographic arts, as part of its broader strategies for developing cultural industries, with support from countries, international cultural organisations, and artistic community remaining essential.

Jonathan Baker, head of the UNESCO Office in Vietnam, highlighted the connective power of photography amid global cultural exchange. He noted that this year’s biennale once again demonstrates how visual art can bring people together across cultural boundaries, spark dialogue, and offer fresh perspectives on global issues.

Eric Soulier, Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Activities at the French Embassy and Director of the French Institute in Vietnam, said Photo Hanoi’25 shows Hanoi’s ability to host major international events when local authorities, cultural organisations, international partners, and business community work together. Such collaboration, he added, underpins the long-term growth of creative industries.

Recognised by UNESCO as a contributor to Hanoi’s Creative City status, the biennale is seen as laying groundwork for sustainable expansion of the city’s cultural and creative ecosystem in the years ahead.

Truong Uyen Ly, Director of LY & LIM Creative Town, spotlighted the lasting value of three talk series comprising 10 livestreamed panel discussions, which will remain publicly accessible as an enduring educational resource./.