Vietnam always values peace, freedom, dignity, and human rights: Ambassador
WVR - On September 15, the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and other international organizations in Geneva, Switzerland, organized the celebration of Vietnam's 80th National Day at the headquarters of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
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| Ambassador, Head of the Delegation Mai Phan Dung speaking at the celebration. |
Approximately 300 international guests and Vietnamese attendees participated in the event, including numerous Ambassadors, Heads of Delegations, representatives from international organizations, international friends, and the Vietnamese community in Switzerland, creating a solemn, warm, and friendly atmosphere.
In his opening speech, Ambassador, Head of the Delegation Mai Phan Dung reflected on Vietnam's proud 80-year history. The Ambassador emphasized that from a war-torn country, Vietnam has risen to become the world's 33rd largest economy, among the top 30 largest exporters, and a top 15 global destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). Vietnam has diplomatic relations with 194 countries and partnerships with 38 nations, increasingly affirming its role as an active, responsible member of the international community, contributing to peace and development in the region and globally through numerous specific activities.
Throughout this journey, Vietnam has always valued peace, freedom, dignity, and human rights, prioritizing solidarity and international integration, with a firm commitment to advancing development.
The Ambassador also expressed gratitude for the contributions of overseas Vietnamese and international friends to Vietnam's construction and development. He affirmed that under the wise leadership of the Party and State, along with national solidarity, Vietnam is entering a new era – an era of innovation, deep international integration, green and digital transformation, aiming to become a powerful, prosperous, and happy nation by 2045.
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| Overview of the celebration. |
Praising the role of the multilateral system led by the United Nations as a crucial foundation for global peace, cooperation, and development, the Ambassador pointed out that the multilateral system has helped prevent world wars, lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty, expanded educational and trade opportunities, and promoted international dialogue and cooperation.
The Ambassador stated that Vietnam is running for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026–2028 term. With the support of ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific Group, Vietnam is committed to being an active, constructive, and responsible member, contributing to the promotion and protection of human rights globally if elected.
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| Guests experiencing Vietnamese culture and cuisine at the event. |
A unique highlight of the celebration was the rich and diverse cultural and artistic program. The opening performance with the songs brought a solemn and vibrant atmosphere of a national festival, evoking national pride among Vietnamese expatriates.
Notably, the traditional Ao dai fashion show by designer Xuan Hong, accompanied by traditional music performed by artists from the Vietnam Cultural Centre in France, left a strong impression. The collection, themed "Pride of Vietnam", consists of four parts: "Dragon – Phoenix", "Rivers – Mountains", "Spring Colors", and "Lotus", honoring the nation's roots, natural beauty, vitality, and the resilient spirit of the Vietnamese people. Against traditional melodies, the flowing Ao dai became a "river of silk through time", connecting heritage with modernity, and national culture with international friends.
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| Traditional Vietnamese ao dai displayed at the event. |
At the event, guests experienced five Vietnamese cultural and culinary spaces: from Dong Ho painting, enjoying egg coffee, salted coffee, lotus tea, exploring traditional arts, admiring Vietnamese áo dài and silk, to immersing in a buffet with distinctive folk dishes.
Interspersed performances of dan bau, T'rung, and K'long Put created a diverse soundscape, bringing international friends closer to Vietnamese culture.
Expressing the honor of attending the celebration, journalist Jean Mussy, President of the Foreign Press Association in Switzerland and Liechtenstein (APES), considered the event an opportunity to foster friendship and enhance meetings between delegations. He shared his impression of the dynamism and youthfulness of the Vietnamese people.
The 80th National Day celebration in Geneva was not only an occasion to honor history and affirm the achievements of renovation and international integration but also sent a strong message from Vietnam – a peace-loving nation, rich in identity, dynamic, creative, and always a reliable and responsible partner to the international community.
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| Guests visiting the Art Exhibition. |
