Participants praised Hanoi’s achievements ensuring equality and improving the living environment as well as its culture and education development. Mai Phan Dung, Deputy Head of the Committee for External Relations Culture and UNESCO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: “Hanoi has defeated other 70 candidates to win the UNESCO recognition of City for Peace. The title reflects international recognition of Hanoi’s achievements in building a peaceful culture and its effective approach in urbanization, social issues and people’s living conditions. It’s also an evidence of the city’s respect for peace and efforts to create peace.”