On the afternoon of June 27, at the Vietnam Women's Museum, the wife of General Secretary To Lam , Ms. Ngo Phuong Ly and UNESCO Director General, Ms. Audrey Azoulay attended the painting exhibition "We CAN" as special guests, on the occasion of Ms. Azoulay's official visit to Vietnam.
The exhibition, organized by the UNESCO Office in Hanoi , displays nearly 30 works by students from Cao Bang, Ninh Thuan and Vinh Long, selected from the "Reach Out - Shine" contest.
The works are typical products of the project "We CAN" - a joint initiative between UNESCO and the Ministry of Education and Training , aiming to empower ethnic minority women and girls in disadvantaged areas to learn and develop comprehensively.
Speaking at the exhibition, Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly expressed her special impression with the project's name - "We CAN" - although short, it contains many layers of profound meaning.
According to the Lady, the phrase not only carries an optimistic and hopeful message, expressing belief in the ability to overcome adversity, but also contains comfort and encouragement among companions, facing difficulties together.
The Lady affirmed that it was not only the crystallization of creativity but also the genuine voice of the children, sending a clear message: "We CAN - if given the opportunity."
The Lady affirmed that it is this simplicity and sincerity that makes the project's name an emotional message, reflecting the spirit of the entire journey that UNESCO, the Ministry of Education and Training and the community are striving to build - for a more inclusive, equitable and humane future for women and girls.
At the reception, Madam Ngo Phuong Ly expressed her appreciation for the deep affection and concern that the UNESCO Director-General has for Vietnam.
The First Lady emphasized that Vietnam always considers gender equality a strategic priority, with many practical programs being implemented, such as expanding learning opportunities in disadvantaged areas, promoting STEM education for girls, and increasing women's participation in all areas of social life.
For her part, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed her gratitude for the presence of the General Secretary's wife at the exhibition, considering this a vivid demonstration of the spirit of solidarity for gender equality.
She acknowledged Vietnam's substantial commitment to UNESCO's goals, particularly in the areas of inclusive education and sustainable development.
Ms. Audrey Azoulay was moved by the works at the exhibition, seeing them as living proof of the spirit of "Her Education, Our Future."
She and Madam Ngo Phuong Ly agreed to consider education as a key tool to promote gender equality, guiding long-term cooperation between Vietnam and UNESCO.
The Director-General shared some of the global challenges post-COVID-19 such as gender gaps in education, women's mental health, and called for strengthening gender education, scaling up community initiatives such as "We CAN."
The CEO appreciated the proportion of women in leadership roles in Vietnam and acknowledged efforts to promote girls’ participation in digital transformation. She emphasized the need to promote women’s participation in technology and artificial intelligence.
Within the framework of the program, Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly and General Director Audrey Azoulay visited the thematic exhibition area "Women in the Family."
The space recreates a woman's journey from adulthood, marriage, motherhood, and family maintenance, while reflecting traditional values through rituals, customs, and folk knowledge in Vietnamese family life.
The General Secretary's wife respectfully invited UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay to enjoy a traditional Vietnamese tea party in a cultural space imbued with Vietnamese identity. Typical flavors such as lotus tea, green rice cakes, and xu xe cakes... expressed hospitality and respect for a close international friend.
Ms. Audrey Azoulay thanked the Lady for the warm meeting, considering it a moment of deep cultural connection, helping to better understand indigenous knowledge in the context of technology increasingly affecting human relationships.
The reception ended in a friendly, sharing atmosphere, spreading the spirit of humanitarian cooperation between Vietnam and UNESCO - where the values of knowledge, culture and compassion converge for a fair, inclusive and sustainable future for everyone./.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/phu-nhan-tong-bi-thu-to-lam-va-tong-giam-doc-unesco-tham-du-trien-lam-tranh-post1046836.vnp
Comment (0)