On the evening of 10/7, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his wife met with Vietnamese and international female diplomats to commemorate the United Nations' International Day of Women in Diplomacy (24/6) and the upcoming 80th anniversary of Vietnam's diplomatic service.
In his address, the prime minister emphasized the pivotal role of women in Vietnamese families. He stated that Vietnamese women are highly valued and given equal access to all societal roles.
"From a poor, underdeveloped nation devastated by war, Vietnam, through tireless efforts, has emerged as a strong, developing country. As the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong affirmed, our country has never enjoyed such prosperity, potential, international standing, and prestige," the prime minister said, highlighting the significant contributions of Vietnamese women to this collective effort and sacrifice.
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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaking on the evening of 10/7. Photo: Nhat Bac |
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaking on the evening of 10/7. Photo: Nhat Bac
The prime minister noted that Vietnam is recognized as one of the top 10 countries for promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The proportion of female representatives in Vietnam's 15th National Assembly is currently 30.26%, exceeding the global and regional average and leading among the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly.
Vietnam is also among the leading countries in female participation in peacekeeping operations, with 16%. "Vietnam values the contributions of women and has many female heroes in labor, combat, and production, including female diplomats, notably former Foreign Minister and former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh, as well as several other outstanding female diplomats," he said, expressing his pleasure in welcoming the female diplomats to the Government Office.
Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang shared that being a female diplomat and contributing to foreign affairs is a source of pride and holds deep meaning.
She believes that the foundation for every female diplomat entering the international arena is historical tradition, cultural character, and national interest. Vietnamese diplomacy is proud of its historic female diplomats, exemplified by Nguyen Thi Binh, the first female Foreign Minister and head of the Paris Peace Accords delegation.
Subsequent generations, such as Ho The Lan, the first female spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Phan Thi Phuc, Vietnam's first female UNESCO Secretary-General; Ambassadors Nguyen Thi Hoi, Nguyen Thi Huyen, Phan Thuy Thanh, Nguyen Phuong Nga, Nguyen Nguyet Nga, and other generations of female ambassadors, have contributed to the achievements of the diplomatic sector and the cause of national construction and defense.
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Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam. Photo: Nhat Bac |
Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam. Photo: Nhat Bac
Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, emphasized the pioneering role of Vietnamese female diplomats. Vietnamese women have made remarkable contributions across many fields, particularly in establishing Vietnam as a beacon of peace and progress. In just a decade, Vietnam has significantly improved its ranking in the global gender equality index, advancing the United Nations' agenda on gender equality and women's rights.
She expressed confidence and hope for an increasing number of women in leadership positions at all levels of government, especially in the diplomatic sector, to contribute to equitable and sustainable development.
Vu Tuan
