Trịnh Thị Hạnh An, 3rd year student, won the first prize of the first National essay competition to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations. Her essay features the relationship between Viet Nam and the United Nations, the country’s contribution to the goals and mission of the UN, especially in peace and sustainable development.

An was crown at the Final Pitching Round for the contest that took place at the Green One UN House today. Five young finalists were selected from more than 150 contestants from all across the country including one online participant from Australia.

The Panel of Expert Judges are Ms. Nguyen Phuong Nga, former Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the UN; Mr. Do Hung Viet, former Deputy Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the UN; and Ms. Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam.

In his opening remarks, UN Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam Mr. Kamal Malhotra highlighted that “while the partnership between the United Nations and the Government of Viet Nam has been a special and close one for over four decades now since it joined the UN in September 1977, this relationship has evolved over time as it should, and now focuses not only on what the UN can do to support the Government of Viet Nam and its people inside the country but also regionally and globally”.

The young essay finalists have captured both the domestic and international aspects of the UN’s partnership with Viet Nam. They reflected on both what this partnership has achieved so far and what it should focus on as Viet Nam moves forward in the region and the world over the coming decade.  

UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam Ms. Caitlin Wiesen congratulated the young essay finalists for their great participation and impressive work. “The finalists gave the Jury a very difficult time because there are too many good choices,” she said. “Our great thank for your contribution. This will help deepen the understanding of Viet Nam and the UN. I hope that this is the beginning of a partnership that we will continue to deepen".

Ms. Wiesen thanked the Panel of Expert Judges for their great participation, insight and advices on how we can improve moving forward.