The ceremony marks a strong political commitment to staying the course in building a learning city where lifelong learning is seen as a core foundation for developing high-quality human resources, improving quality of life, fostering innovation and supporting sustainable development.

The event also aims to promote the image of Hanoi as a city of culture, civility and modernity while building on its titles as a City for Peace and a Creative City and reinforcing its position as a Learning City within UNESCO's network among domestic and international partners.

It seeks to revive and strengthen Hanoi's long-standing tradition of valuing education while raising awareness among Party committees, authorities, socio-political organizations and the public of the vital role of lifelong learning in comprehensive human development and in building a learning society.

The ceremony will also provide an opportunity for exchange and experience sharing and help expand multilateral cooperation with other member cities in the UNESCO Global Learning Cities Network in the fields of education and sustainable development.

According to the plan, the recognition ceremony will take place at 7:30 pm on January 29, 2026, at the Thai Hoc Courtyard of the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam.

Around 400 delegates are expected to attend, including leaders of the Party and the State; representatives of ministries and central agencies; UNESCO, the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO; embassies and international organizations; and leaders of the Hanoi Party Committee, the People’s Council, the People’s Committee and the Vietnam Fatherland Front of Hanoi. Participants will also include representatives from city departments, educational institutions, as well as students and residents of the capital.

From 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm, the ceremony will be broadcast live on Hanoi Radio and Television. The program will feature an incense-offering ritual at the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, a flag-raising ceremony and the screening of the documentary Hanoi – A Learning City.

It will also include the presentation of the UNESCO certificate recognizing Hanoi as a member of the Global Learning Cities Network, along with speeches by leaders of the Party, the State and the city. The highlight of the event will be a special artistic performance themed “Thang Long's Cultural Legacy and the Essence of Learning.”