Top 12 Significant Events in Vietnam during the Gregorian Month of September

International Literacy Day, celebrated annually on September 8, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about illiteracy and promoting efforts to eradicate it worldwide. This day underscores the importance of education and learning in human life and honors the work of those striving to eliminate illiteracy.

Illiteracy is characterized by the inability to read, write, or comprehend written text. This can create significant limitations in daily life, including access to knowledge, finding employment, and engaging in social activities. Illiteracy is especially prevalent in developing countries, where educational systems may not be well-developed or accessible to all. International Literacy Day highlights the need to provide quality education and universal access to knowledge, regardless of gender, age, or location. It serves as a reminder of the importance of eradicating illiteracy and promoting efforts that help individuals develop essential reading, writing, and learning skills.

Celebrations of International Literacy Day typically include workshops, forums, and educational programs in schools and community organizations. Many non-governmental and international groups also participate by providing textbooks, training teachers, and supporting communities to help individuals improve their literacy skills. The ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access knowledge and fully participate in social life.

Vietnam Fatherland Front Day (MTTQVN) is one of the most significant historical events in Vietnam, celebrated annually on September 10 to mark the founding of the organization. Established in 1945, MTTQVN was formed during a critical period when Vietnam had just achieved independence after decades of suffering under French colonial rule and later Japanese occupation during World War II.

The primary mission of MTTQVN is to unite the Vietnamese people and protect the nation's independence and sovereignty. Founded and led by Hồ Chí Minh, one of Vietnam's most influential leaders, the Front played a pivotal role in organizing and leading the resistance against colonial forces. Under MTTQVN’s leadership, nationalist and religious groups joined forces to overthrow the colonial regime and fight for independence. The organization contributed significantly to the independence struggle and to the eventual reunification of Vietnam in 1976.

Vietnam Fatherland Front Day serves as an important occasion for Vietnamese people to honor the sacrifices and contributions of those who fought for the nation's development and unity. It is also an opportunity for younger generations to learn about their history and appreciate the values of national unity and solidarity.

World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on September 10, is a significant event dedicated to raising global awareness about suicide and how to prevent it. This day aims to encourage awareness and social inclusion to reduce suicide rates worldwide.

Activities on this day typically include workshops, conferences, educational programs, and awareness campaigns about suicide prevention. The main goal is to increase understanding of the issue of suicide, create spaces to share personal stories and experiences, and introduce methods and resources to identify and support individuals at risk. Suicide is not only a personal issue but also a critical social and psychological concern. It affects people regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic status. World Suicide Prevention Day emphasizes the importance of creating an accepting and non-judgmental environment where individuals can freely seek help and share their feelings.

Suicide is a serious issue that impacts millions worldwide, and World Suicide Prevention Day is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) to unite people in the fight against this issue, offering support and hope to those at risk and their families.

In September 1997, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) adopted a joint declaration on democracy. This declaration affirmed the principles of democracy, the components and practices of democratic governments, and the international scope of democracy. International workshops on new and restored democracy (the ICNRD process) began in 1988 at the initiative of President Corazon C. Aquino of the Philippines, following the peaceful "People Power Revolution" that overthrew the 20-year dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. Initially an intergovernmental forum, the ICNRD process evolved into a tripartite structure involving governments, parliaments, and civil society. The sixth conference (ICNRD-6) was held in Doha, Qatar in 2006, strengthening the tripartite nature of the process and concluding with a Declaration and Action Plan to reaffirm the core principles and values of democracy.

Based on the outcome of ICNRD-6, an advisory council was established by the process chairman – Qatar – to promote the International Day of Democracy. Qatar took the lead in drafting the UN General Assembly resolution, consulting with member countries. Following the IPU’s recommendation, September 15 (the date the democracy declaration was adopted) was chosen as the day to observe the International Day of Democracy annually. The resolution titled "Support by the UN System in the Efforts of Governments to Promote and Strengthen New or Restored Democracies" was passed by consensus on November 8, 2007, with the aim of promoting and maintaining democratic principles and encouraging all countries and member organizations to observe this day appropriately to raise global awareness.

The resolution's preamble states: “While democracies share common characteristics, there is no single model of democracy, and democracy does not belong to any particular country or region... Democracy is a universal value based on the free will of the people to determine their political, economic, social, and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of life."

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, observed every year on September 16, is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting the Earth's ozone layer. This day also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in mitigating ozone depletion and to promote actions that support the preservation of the ozone layer's resilience and the environment.

The ozone layer is a region of the Earth's upper atmosphere with a higher concentration of ozone molecules. Its primary role is to shield the planet from harmful ultraviolet (UV-C and UV-B) radiation from the Sun. If the ozone layer is compromised, harmful UV rays can penetrate the atmosphere, leading to health problems such as skin cancer, eye damage, and harm to wildlife, marine life, and ecosystems. The main cause of ozone depletion is the use of substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons, which contribute to ozone layer destruction. In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was signed, and since then, many countries have taken steps to eliminate the use of ozone-depleting chemicals.

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer was established by the United Nations and international organizations in 1994 to celebrate the success of the Montreal Protocol and highlight the importance of protecting the ozone layer for human health and the environment. Over the years, this day has become a platform to educate and inform the public about ozone protection and encourage both individual and collective efforts to safeguard the environment and the ozone layer's integrity.

International Day of Peace, also known as the International Day of Peace, is an important annual event held on September 21. Established by the United Nations (UN), it is dedicated to celebrating and promoting peace while urging the cessation of violence around the world. The day serves as an opportunity for people to reflect on the significance of peace in their lives and within the global community.

This day emphasizes the importance of promoting peace, ending conflicts and violence, and fostering respect, harmony, and solidarity among nations and communities worldwide. The goal of the International Day of Peace is to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to live equally and happily, free from war, conflict, or discrimination. Each year, the United Nations selects a specific theme to discuss and honor, and various events and activities—including workshops, parades, art exhibitions, and more—take place around the world to raise awareness about peace and human rights. International Day of Peace is a vital day to underline the importance of peace in our lives and to encourage action to build a better world for all.

The Southern Resistance was a military conflict between Vietnam and a coalition of British, French, and Japanese forces, beginning just before the Indochina War broke out, with the key date being September 23, 1945. On this day, Vietnamese military forces opposed the French attempt to reoccupy southern Vietnam. Initial combat occurred in the southern region and later spread to the Central Highlands and South Central Vietnam. On September 23, 1945, French troops launched a surprise attack on the Vietnamese forces in Saigon-Cholon. However, they encountered fierce resistance from the Viet Minh, especially the Bình Xuyên District led by Dương Văn Dương (later promoted to Brigadier General). The French forces were surrounded within the city.

On the morning of September 23, the Southern government convened a meeting at Mai Street, Cholon. Key figures such as Ung Văn Khiêm, Trần Văn Giàu, Nguyễn Văn Nguyễn, Phạm Ngọc Thạch, and Huỳnh Văn Tiểng attended. The meeting agreed to send a telegram to the Central Government requesting permission to continue resistance. The meeting also established the Southern Resistance Committee led by Trần Văn Giàu and the Saigon-Cholon Resistance Committee led by Nguyễn Văn Tư.

By the afternoon, the Southern Resistance Committee issued a declaration: "On the morning of September 23, the French forces attacked and seized the headquarters of the Southern Administrative Committee, and we have declared our national defense war. They shed blood on the streets of Saigon... We will not tolerate this humiliation; for the dignity of our people and for the national interest, we have no choice but to seek permission for resistance from the Central Government..."

World Tourism Day is a global event celebrated annually on September 27 to honor the tourism industry and highlight its significant contribution to the economic and social development of nations worldwide. This day also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about sustainable tourism and environmental protection, ensuring that tourism develops responsibly while respecting the culture and nature of the destinations it impacts.

World Tourism Day offers countries, organizations, and individuals a chance to participate in activities promoting tourism, showcasing new travel destinations, and sharing the benefits of tourism for local communities and economies. It also emphasizes the role of tourism in fostering cultural exchange, increasing global awareness of cultural diversity, and creating opportunities for cooperation and peace among nations.

World Tourism Day also addresses the challenges and opportunities faced by the tourism industry today, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. The day encourages efforts to promote more sustainable and eco-friendly tourism, ensuring that tourism contributes to environmental protection and improves the quality of life for both local communities and travelers.

In 1948, an international conference in Geneva approved the Convention establishing the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations tasked with developing and maintaining an effective legal framework for maritime transport. Emphasizing the role of maritime transport in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Strategy, the World Maritime Day 2020 was held on September 24, 2020, under the theme 'Sustainable Shipping for a Sustainable Planet,' encouraging IMO member states to organize various activities to raise awareness among the public and relevant organizations about the importance of maritime transport.

In celebration of World Maritime Day 2020, the Vietnam Maritime Administration launched the 'Month of World Maritime Day 2020' from September 24 to October 24, 2020, to highlight the significant contributions of the maritime industry, especially for a maritime nation like Vietnam with its long coastline. In Vietnam's maritime economic development strategy, the maritime sector plays a crucial role, with seaports serving as the core for growth, receiving and transporting import-export goods, and facilitating nationwide distribution. Maritime transport currently handles up to 90% of the country's import-export goods, forming the main artery of the economy's transportation and distribution system.

Vietnam's National Day, also known as the Independence Day of Vietnam or September 2nd National Day, is a significant national holiday in Vietnam. This day is commemorated annually on September 2 to remember and celebrate the independence and unity of the country after years of struggle against foreign invaders and political divisions. The key event leading to the selection of September 2 as Vietnam's National Day was the end of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu on May 7, 1954. In this war, the Viet Minh (under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh) defeated the French army, and the Geneva Accords were signed. This agreement ended the conflict and temporarily divided Vietnam into two regions: the North controlled by the Viet Minh and the South by the government of the Republic of Vietnam.

However, this division was only temporary, and Vietnam proceeded with a presidential election in 1955 to determine the future of the nation. In 1955, President Ngo Dinh Diem declared South Vietnam as the Republic of Vietnam (or South Vietnam), a separate independent state. On September 2, 1945, at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, affirming Vietnam's independence and founding the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. This declaration marked a pivotal moment in the country's struggle for independence and freedom. From then on, September 2 became Vietnam's National Day, a major occasion to celebrate the nation's history and culture.

On this day, the people of Vietnam participate in various commemorative activities, including parades, festivals, and cultural events. It is also a time to honor the heroes and those who sacrificed during the war and contributed to the development and independence of Vietnam.

In September, there is an important international observance that you might find interesting: the International Day of Charity, which takes place every year on September 5. This day was established with the purpose of honoring and encouraging charitable activities worldwide. The International Day of Charity serves as a reminder of the importance of sharing, helping, and contributing to the development and support of communities in need.

On this day, numerous charitable organizations and individuals around the world engage in a wide range of charitable activities. These activities can include donating money, time, and resources to support those facing hardships. Charitable projects may focus on providing food, clean water, medical care, education, building homes, and other initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for people in areas that require assistance. The International Day of Charity offers an excellent opportunity to spread compassion and promote the values of help and social support. We can all participate in charitable activities or support charitable organizations in efforts to create a better world for everyone.

The Voice of Vietnam Radio, also known as Vietnam Radio Broadcasting (English name: "Radio The Voice of Vietnam", abbreviated as VOV), is the national radio station under the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Its primary mission is to "broadcast the Party's policies, the laws of the State and the National Assembly, contribute to raising public awareness, and serve the spiritual needs of the people." The station is managed by the Ministry of Information and Communications in terms of media activities, frequency, transmission, and broadcasting. Currently, the Voice of Vietnam is a major multimedia communications organization in the country, encompassing all four forms of journalism: radio, television, print, and online media.

At 11:30 AM on September 7, 1945, the Voice of Vietnam Radio officially began operations. The first broadcast in Vietnamese started with the words: "This is the Voice of Vietnam, broadcasting from Hanoi, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam," accompanied by the music of the song "Destroy Fascism" by composer Nguyễn Đình Thi.