Outline for Establishing a Theoretical Foundation for the CoFest Model in Vietnam

This is a research outline submitted for community feedback as part of the CoFest research program. The CoFest model as a community-based, ESG-aligned framework for sustainable cultural festival development in Vietnam. By integrating cultural geography, participatory development, and decentralized governance, CoFest reimagines festivals as co-created ecosystems that foster local identity, creativity, and resilience. Targeted pilot applications in Phu Tho, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, and An Giang demonstrate diverse pathways for implementation, addressing urbanization, cultural fragmentation, and heritage loss. A four-step roadmap outlines strategies for nationwide adoption, including pilot projects, capacity building, policy integration, and ESG-based impact assessment. CoFest offers a transformative approach to cultural policy, creative economies, and SDG alignment in Vietnam.