The Ho Chi Minh City BridgeFest Music Festival 2023 on Saturday garnered the participation of numerous renowned artists, a youthful audience, and various social organizations. 

The event, themed 'Bridging the gap toward human economy,' was organized by the Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in collaboration with several diplomatic missions, including those of the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. 

The fest on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in District 1 saw active participation from the Oxfam Organization in Vietnam and other social organizations.

BridgeFest 2023 aspired to ignite inspiration among the public, particularly the younger generation and individuals across diverse sectors of society, as well as to foster collective efforts in shaping a future where people and the earth are positioned at the core of the development process, according to the organizers.

Going beyond the typical framework of a music festival, the event served as a nexus featuring booths of 38 social organizations, enterprises, clubs, and groups from across Vietnam.

The event showcased endeavors aimed at advancing sustainable development in Vietnam across a spectrum of areas, including environmental conservation, education, healthcare, culture, gender equality, support for people with disabilities, and the well-being of women and children.

“The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism always wants to see more quality and free art programs for everyone, accompanied by humanistic messages that encourage social responsibility and love sharing, so that no one is left behind,” Tran Nhat Hoang, deputy general director of the International Cooperation Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, stated in a press release issued by the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi on Saturday.

“In both our daily lives and interactions on social networks, let's actively propagate positive energy, love, and a sense of social responsibility, thereby contributing to the construction of a more harmonious and improved society."

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper said, “Thank you, the people and the government of Ho Chi Minh City, for bringing us together tonight to share a message of diversity and inclusion and ensuring a society in which everyone is able to contribute and feels equal."

Meanwhile, Vu Thi Quynh Hoa, national director of Oxfam in Vietnam, emphasized that Vietnam has embarked on a developmental vision centered on the well-being of its people. 

This vision is directed toward prosperity, inclusion, sustainability, and the pursuit of a meaningful life for all, extending until 2030 and beyond to 2050. 

Hoa urged individuals to reflect upon and contribute to the realization of a human economy.

"Together, we are committed to constructing an economy that serves the interests of all, while concurrently safeguarding our living environment,” Hoa remarked.

The all-day event wrapped up with music performances by well-known local artists including Vo Ha Tram, Da LAB, Microwave, Lynk Lee, beatboxer Tuansss, and international artists such as Adrienne Mack-Davis and DJ 32french from the United States.

BridgeFest 2023, taking place until near midnight, successfully drew in thousands of individuals spanning various age groups, mostly young people.

Kim Ngan, 18, and her two friends sang and danced along to the lyrics enthusiastically.

Minh Tuan, 34, extended his concert experience well into the night with his family. 

"The atmosphere today is incredibly vibrant, youthful, and invigorating,” Tuan commented. 

“Witnessing my favorite band, Microwave, perform with such enthusiasm makes me feel youthful and brim with positive energy."

In 2017, BridgeFest was first brought to Vietnam by Oxfam and the U.S. Embassy.

The festival is part of Oxfam’s worldwide campaign, 'Even It Up – Bridging the Gap,' which aims to eliminate inequality.

BridgeFest 2020, held on Hoan Kiem Pedestrian Street in Hanoi, attracted an audience of over 15,000. 

In 2022, BridgeFest arrived in Da Nang City, central Vietnam, captivating over 11,000 people.

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