(VOVworld) - A conference titled “Religious culture and sustainable development in Vietnam” was organized in Hanoi on Wednesday by the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Public Administration.

The conference “Religious culture and sustainable development in Vietnam” (Photo: cpv.org.vn)

According to scholars, religion has been an important part of the nation’s cultural life, contributing to the formation and development of a uniquely Vietnamese culture. The general theory on religious culture and sustainable development; the role of religious culture in social life; and religions’ cultural contributions to Vietnam’s sustainable development were also discussed. Dr. Do Lan Hien, Deputy Head of the Institute for Religion and Belief Research, said: “The role of religion has been neglected in the assessment of social development. In fact, religion has considerably helped improve the economy. The Party and State have created a legal corridor for religious freedom but it is necessary to create more favorable conditions for religious dignitaries and followers to join the effort to deal with social issues”.

Delegates agreed that tapping the social resources of religions to fuel the country’s sustainable development is urgently needed.