Green living in “2025 Denmark in Your Eyes” captivates Hanoi students

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnamese schoolchildren are putting their imagination and environmental awareness onto canvas as the 2025 edition of the “Denmark in Your Eyes” painting contest, themed “Green Living,” was launched in Hanoi this week.

At Nguyen Sieu School in the capital, hundreds of students gathered with brushes and colors, turning their visions of a sustainable future into vibrant artwork.

The contest, jointly organized by the Danish Embassy in Vietnam and the Vietnam-Denmark Friendship Association (VIDAFA), has become a highlight of cultural and educational cooperation between the two countries.

“I would like to join the painting contest because I want to convey my ideas about environmental protection, which I have been taught at my school,” Nguyen Ha Kim Anh, a 7th grader from Nguyen Gia Thieu Secondary School in Hanoi, told The Hanoi Times.

With her sketchbook in hand, Kim Anh explained that painting allows her to express her worries and hopes for the planet. She was among the many young artists eager to showcase their ideas during the launch.

Tran Xuan Bach, a student in Class 5A3 class at Nguyen Sieu School, could not hide his excitement when showing his drawing, which features marine biodiversity.

“I have drawn a painting of the sea as I love marine creatures. My teachers told me about the painting contest and its meaning so that I could get drawing ideas and the color blue always brings me a pleasant feeling,” Bach shared with The Hanoi Times.

Now in its 10th year, the Denmark in Your Eyes contest aims to deepen students’ understanding of environmental challenges while encouraging them to express their own ideas about protecting nature and conserving resources.

Vibeke Nørgaard, Sector Counsellor for Education at the Danish Embassy in Vietnam, said supporting green growth and the transition to a sustainable society is key to the Vietnam-Denmark cooperation relationship.

“I believe that this is an engaging platform for Vietnamese students to voice and share their thoughts, concerns, hopes, and ideas on how to nurture and protect our planet. This competition is an opportunity for children to imagine a better world and affirm that such a world is entirely achievable,” said Vibeke Nørgaard.

She added that the contest has created a special opportunity to add value to ongoing joint programs at the government level within the framework of the two countries’ strategic partnership on green growth, while reflecting young people’s commitment to a greener future.

“Every year, I’m inspired by how clearly they express inspirational ideas through something as simple and powerful as a painting. I look forward to seeing how students imagine and share their own ways of living green and caring for our planet,” she stated.

The 2025 contest also marks an important milestone in bilateral relations. This year’s edition celebrates 54 years of diplomatic ties between Denmark and Vietnam and the 12th anniversary of their comprehensive partnership.

Over the years, the contest has grown into a symbol of cultural diplomacy, bridging Vietnamese children’s creativity with Denmark’s emphasis on sustainability. Since its first launch in 2016 to mark the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations, each edition has introduced a new theme, but the focus on environmental protection has remained constant.

Nguyen Huu Hanh, a painter from Kim Dong Publishing House and a member of this year’s jury, said the initiative helps students form a sense of environmental responsibility.

“This year's contest enables students to showcase their ideas, aspirations, and commitment to environmental responsibility. I believe that students have the power to shape the future,” he told The Hanoi Times.

The contest is open to all Vietnamese students from primary to secondary school, with a submission deadline of December 20, 2025. Winners will be announced and honored at a ceremony scheduled for the end of the 2025–2026 school year in Hanoi.

Participants are required to submit their artwork on A3-sized paper. Any medium can be used, including pastels, oil pastels, pens, pencils, charcoal, acrylics, watercolor, oils, or mixed media.

Entries should be submitted to the Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam, 7th floor, BIDV Tower, 194 Tran Quang Khai Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi. 

The jury for the competition will consist of prestigious painters from the publishing houses, the newspapers and representatives from the VIDAFA and the embassy.

Prizes will include one grand prize, two first prizes, four second prizes, and eight third prizes. The grand prize winner will receive a tablet and a LEGO set, while runners-up will be awarded LEGO toy sets. In addition, dozens of other prizes will be given to individuals and groups recognized by the organizers.