Marking 950 years of history, the Quoc Tu Giam serves as a focal point for Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy and soft power projection as international leaders visit the historic site.
Diplomats Visit the Temple of Literature
- Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and Liechtenstein Prime Minister Brigitte Haas visited the Temple of Literature in October 2026, highlighting the site’s role in international relations.
- Founded in 1076, the complex houses 82 doctor stelae inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World register since 2011.
- The venue integrates historical preservation with modern diplomatic engagement, hosting visits from global figures including German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Quoc Tu Giam Preserves Stelae and Earns UNESCO Recognition
Founded in 1076, Quoc Tu Giam has centuries-old ties to education and talent formation. Its Doctor’s Stelae Garden preserves 82 stelae bearing the names of 1,304 doctors who passed examinations during the Le and Mac dynasties. In 2011, UNESCO inscribed this collection into the Memory of the World Register.
“Me siento sumamente orgulloso, en mi calidad de presidente de Panamá, de visitar este sitio histórico, forjado sobre los valores culturales y educativos del gran pueblo vietnamita,” wrote Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino in the visitor’s book at Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam on October 6, 2026, as reported by es.vietnamplus.vn. Days later, Liechtenstein Prime Minister Brigitte Haas also expressed her impression of Vietnam’s academic traditions.
During his visit in January 2024, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a doctor of law and political science, showed specific interest in the history of doctoral examinations during the monarchical era. Jonathan Wallace Baker, the UNESCO representative in Vietnam, said that the site reflects society’s deep valuation of education and the connection between knowledge, talent, and moral responsibility.
Cultural Diplomacy Through State Visits
In May 2025, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam and his spouse received French President Emmanuel Macron at the complex, featuring Hue imperial court music and the striking of the Sam drum.
In June 2026, the spouses of the prime ministers of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand visited the “Si tu” (Students) exhibition, which featured approximately 950 learning stories from young people across the country. Maricel Cohen de Mulino, wife of the Panamanian president, summarized her impressions by stating that Vietnam will always remain in their hearts, according to es.vietnamplus.vn.
In an interview on November 11, 2026, during the “From Heritage to Cultural Diplomacy” photographic exhibition organized by the Vietnam News Agency and the Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam Cultural and Scientific Activities Center, Baker highlighted the country’s contributions to international cultural debates, including a proposed International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development spanning 2027 to 2036.
| Leader / Representative | Country / Organization | Date of Visit / Event |
|---|---|---|
| Frank-Walter Steinmeier | Germany | January 2024 |
| Emmanuel Macron | France | May 2025 |
| José Raúl Mulino | Panama | October 6, 2026 |
| Brigitte Haas | Liechtenstein | October 2026 |
Preserving Heritage for Future Generations
The anniversary year coincides with 80 years since the first National Cultural Conference and five decades of cooperation between UNESCO and Vietnam. Current domestic policies emphasize learning under the Teachers' Law of 2025, Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW, and the expansion of educational opportunities.
At present, six Vietnamese cities participate in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. Baker emphasized that heritage remains vibrant only when integrated into daily life, allowing new generations to engage with history and contribute their own creativity.
More than 950 years after its establishment, Quoc Tu Giam continues to transmit educational values while serving as a bridge for international understanding.
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