Amidst the vibrant atmosphere celebrating the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Denmark (1971 - 2026), the annual painting contest "Denmark in Your Eyes 2025" has officially concluded with record-breaking numbers and profound imprints from the young talents of the port city of Hai Phong. With the contemporary theme "Green Living," the contest served not only as an artistic playground but also as an affirmation of the commitment to environmental protection and the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Record Scale and a Humanistic Message from the "Green Living" Theme
The "Denmark in Your Eyes 2025" painting contest for primary and secondary school students received unprecedented enthusiastic support. According to information from the Danish Embassy in Hanoi, the organizers received more than 130,000 entries from provinces and cities across the country. This is considered a record number in the contest's history, demonstrating the powerful spread of the environmental protection message among the younger generation in Vietnam.
With the theme "Green Living," the contest encouraged students to express unique and imaginative perspectives on environmental issues through colorful paintings. This also vividly reflects Denmark's strength as a global pioneer in renewable energy and sustainable development. Through their works, students did not just paint an ideal world but also proposed creative solutions to protect the planet, ranging from using clean energy to reducing plastic waste.
The Brilliant Imprints of Hai Phong Children
In this creative flow, students from Hai Phong proved their talent and breakthrough thinking. The close coordination between the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Education and Training of Hai Phong City, and the Danish Embassy maximized opportunities for students in the city to access and participate in the contest most actively.
The final results brought great pride to the city's education sector. According to the list of winners announced by the Danish Embassy, Hai Phong students achieved very high rankings, notably:
- Vu Bao Ngoc (born in 2015, a student in class 5A6 at Trung Vuong Primary School) excellently won Second Prize and also received a Promising Prize for another of her works.
- Vu Quang Vinh (born in 2017, a student in class 3A3 at Trung Vuong Primary School) won Fourth Prize.
- Nguyen Hoàng Bach (born in 2015, a student in class 5A2 at Thuy Son Primary School) won a Promising Prize.
This success was not only due to the individual efforts of the students but also the result of the correct investment in aesthetic education and environmental awareness within schools. The award ceremony and painting exhibition were solemnly held on April 2, 2026, at the Kim Dong Publishing House in Hanoi, with the participation of representatives from departments, sectors, schools, parents, and the winning students.
From Paintings to the Reality of Hai Phong – Denmark Strategic Cooperation
The painting contest is a beautiful stroke in the overall picture of comprehensive cooperation between Hai Phong and Denmark. To fully understand the meaning of the "Green Living" theme expressed by the students, one must look at the actual projects being implemented by both sides.
Hai Phong is currently a focus in the Vietnam–Denmark cooperation strategy with iconic infrastructure and energy projects. Notable is the Hateco Hai Phong International Container Terminal (HHIT) project at Lach Huyen—a strategic partnership between the Hateco Group and APM Terminals (Denmark). This is not just a modern trade gateway but also aims toward a green and sustainable port model. Additionally, Denmark is actively supporting Hai Phong in its energy transition roadmap, particularly in offshore wind power through Memoranda of Understanding for cooperation with the city of Esbjerg.
Beyond the economy, education serves as an important bridge. Prior to the painting contest, the Robotacon First Lego League Hai Phong 2026 playground with the theme “Unearthed” also attracted 438 students, strongly promoting STEM education and innovative thinking. Thus, from smart robots to "Green Living" paintings, Hai Phong students are gaining access to the most advanced knowledge values and technology from Denmark.
Expectations for a Sustainable Future
The "Denmark in Your Eyes 2025" contest has ended, but the messages about environmental protection will remain in the minds of the students. Looking at the vibrantly colored and imaginative paintings of the students, there is confidence that Hai Phong will truly become a center for creativity, green, and sustainability within international networks. As expressed in the thanks from the Danish Embassy to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Education and Training of Hai Phong, this partnership will continue to be nurtured, opening up even more cooperation opportunities in the future.