INTERVIEWING DO QUYEN - THE KINGDOM OF NORWAY’S ONE-DAY AMBASSADOR: WHEN VOICES ARE HEARD
On April 15th, 2021, Do Quyen, a student of Class 12 English 2, Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, one of the four ambassadors of the "Ambassador for a day" contest, had the opportunity to go to the Royal Norwegian Embassy to speak on issues of gender equality and climate change. For the secretary of the class 12 English 2, this is an extremely valuable opportunity, because through this competition, Do Quyen has directly raised her voice about the problems that she cares about - the opinions from young people about seemingly extremely macro, “only for adults” issues.
Learning that she had attained the position of regional Norwegian Ambassador in the contest, "Ambassador for a day", Do Quyen could not hide her joy and excitement. “It is not always possible for me to have the opportunity to attend a special event like this, to meet policy and diplomatic experts who, just a little while ago, were still beyond my reach" - Quyen shared.
Do Quyen taking photos with the Norwegian Ambassador Grete Løchen
Along with excitement, there is also nervousness and anticipation about the event at the Royal Norwegian Embassy: “I have been interested in gender equality and climate change for a long time; however, in my daily life, I can only passively receive information through books, media,... and discuss with friends who share the same concerns. Now, I have had the opportunity to stand up and make a major presentation on these issues, to a community of listeners at the National and International level, even though my ideas are, so to speak, still premature”.
Spending a day as an Ambassador at the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Do Quyen had wonderful experiences in this new position that she achieved:
“During a day at the Embassy, I was directly exposed to the policies and campaigns on gender equality and climate change from my predecessors. I actually feel much more mature! and also through this event, I have had the chance to contribute my knowledge to humanity in the fight against climate change and gender inequality, topics that are currently unfamiliar and sensitive for a majority of people in my community.”
Do Quyen at the meeting room with representatives and staff of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Vietnam to discuss gender violence and sex selection at birth in Vietnam
Towards the organizers, the school and the teachers, especially Ms. Phan Hong Anh, Secretary of the Youth Union - who introduced Quyen about the "Ambassador for a day" contest - she expressed her utmost gratitude:
“I would like to thank the embassies for organizing this event so that young people have the opportunity to contribute ideas and be heard by experienced predecessors, thereby helping spread awareness about topics such as gender equality and climate change. In particular, I would like to thank the school's management board for notifying the event to the students, and thank you, teacher Phan Hong Anh, for always updating the news and enthusiastically supporting me to participate in the competition. Even without only one factor, I probably wouldn't have been able to achieve such a great achievement".
Congratulations to Do Quyen for having this unforgettable experience as a Norwegian Ambassador. Hopefully, in the future, you will continue to speak up on behalf of the talented and creative youth, contributing to humanity's efforts in the fight against climate change and gender inequality in particular, and social issues in general. Teachers and students of Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted will always be watching over you!
Reporter: Nguyen Ha Phuong - Literature 2023
Translator: Thai Minh Anh - Chinese-English 1821