Nguyễn Hoàng Thịnh, a 6th grade student from Hà Nội Victoria School takes grand prize at the contest. Photo: vietnamnews.vn/
More than 24,600 artworks from over 260 schools and clubs across Vietnam were submitted to this year’s Denmark in Your Eyes painting contest, which concluded with an award ceremony in Hanoi on Wednesday 2 April 2025.
Organised by the Vietnam-Denmark Friendship Association (VIDAFA) and the Embassy of Denmark, the annual competition has been held since 2016 to promote cultural understanding and green thinking among Vietnamese youth. This year’s theme, Green Initiatives, invited children and young people to express their ideas and aspirations for a more sustainable world.
The grand prize was awarded to Nguyễn Hoàng Thịnh, a 6th grade student from Hanoi’s Victoria School, for his artwork Green World – Green Future. Created using recycled fabric scraps, the piece impressed the judges with its creativity and environmental message.
“Through my painting, I hope to inspire my friends and those around me to join hands in protecting our planet and environment,” said Thịnh at the ceremony.
“By repurposing discarded materials to create meaningful artworks, I am celebrating the beauty of our world and our lives while promoting sustainability,” he added.
Ambassador of Denmark to Vietnam, Nicolai Prytz, praised the contest for offering Vietnamese students a platform to share their concerns about climate and environmental issues and for showcasing their inspiring ideas.
“In Vietnam, there are countless opportunities for young people to engage in society and make a meaningful impact,” said the ambassador.
“The contest highlights the deep passion and unwavering commitment of young people in Vietnam to creating a sustainable and green future for all.”
The judging panel included acclaimed painters from the Ministry of Education and Training, Kim Đồng Publishing House, and the Thiếu Niên and Nhi Đồng newspapers. The high artistic standard and originality of the submissions made the selection process especially challenging.
In addition to the grand prize, the organisers handed out 73 individual awards, including two first prizes, four second prizes, eight third prizes, 50 fourth prizes and nine prospect awards. Group prizes were awarded to organisations and schools from Cần Thơ, Huế, Đồng Tháp, and Hanoi.
The Denmark in Your Eyes contest is part of a broader effort to strengthen the bilateral Green Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Denmark by engaging young people directly in the countries’ shared vision for a greener future.
