Extraordinary 'female warriors' on the silent front

Delegates take souvenir photos. (Photo: Thanh Long)

The seminar was honored to have the participation of Ms. Phan Thi Phuc, wife of the late Minister Nguyen Co Thach; Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, former Head of the Vietnamese Delegation to the United Nations, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs , former President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, former Director of the Department of Press and Information; Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang Van, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Central Party Agencies; Ambassador Nguyen Thi Hoi, former Ambassador of Vietnam to Austria and Canada, former Director, Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO; Ambassador Phan Thuy Thanh, former Ambassador of Vietnam to the Kingdom of Belgium and Luxembourg, concurrently Head of the Vietnamese Delegation to the European Union, former Director of the Department of Press and Information, along with many female officials and employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the periods and students of the Diplomatic Academy.

This is an opportunity to honor the contributions of female diplomats, thereby inspiring the younger generation and current diplomatic staff on their "career" journey, as well as promoting the role of women in modern and multilateral diplomacy.

Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, Acting Director of the Diplomatic Academy, emphasized the important contributions of female diplomats on the pillars of diplomacy. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, Acting Director of the Diplomatic Academy, affirmed that since its establishment on August 28, 1945, Vietnamese diplomacy has undergone 80 years of development and growth, achieving many great feats. On that glorious journey, there has always been a great contribution from female diplomats to the success of the revolutionary cause, building and developing the country, bringing Vietnam on par with other countries in the world .

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According to Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, over the past 80 years, generations of female diplomats have made important contributions to all three pillars of diplomacy: Party diplomacy, State diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy. In Party diplomacy, female cadres have contributed to building and consolidating the friendly relationship between our Party and progressive political parties and movements around the world. In State diplomacy, they have also made outstanding contributions to establishing, expanding and building good and strong relations between Vietnam and many countries and international organizations.

Or in the field of people's diplomacy, the image of female diplomats is always a symbol of closeness, gentleness and sincerity, helping to strengthen the friendship between the Vietnamese people and people of other countries; thereby, mobilizing many international friends to support the just struggle for national independence and to build and protect our country.

"You are profound, courageous and sensitive foreign affairs officers, contributing to being steadfast in principles while being flexible in methods, aiming to build trust and expand political relations with international friends. As Heads of representative agencies, you are the face and voice of the Party, State and people of Vietnam on the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, multilateralization and diversification of international relations," the Acting Director of the Diplomatic Academy emphasized.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang shares stories of female diplomats who have become a meaningful and proud part of the history of the sector. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Appreciating the journey of overcoming difficulties to bring the country to the five continents of generations of female diplomats, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang shared that the past 80 years have witnessed ordinary people, mothers and sisters with different backgrounds, but together they have created many extraordinary miracles. They lit the fire of patriotism, illuminating the path for Vietnam to rise from the darkness of war and colonialism to become a beacon for peace, national independence and progress in the world.

Those 80 years were filled with countless stories about diplomats who stepped out of their bamboo fences, temporarily leaving their families and children to represent their country in "a front without gunfire". It was also a story about successive generations, constantly learning, constantly striving, persistently fighting and constantly renewing themselves.

"Diplomacy is a special journey - where professionals not only need to be subtle and sharp, but also need a kind heart, know how to listen and reconcile. Soft but strong, graceful but determined. Vietnamese women naturally possess these qualities and that is why you, my aunts, my sisters, are always the glue that binds, the bridge of reconciliation, the symbol of trust and flexibility in the art of diplomacy", said Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang.

Delegates share at the discussion. (Photo: Thanh Long)

During the discussion, veteran female diplomats shared memorable stories and personal experiences during their work; at the same time, they expressed their hopes for the current generation of diplomats as well as students.

As someone who has gone through "two centuries across" and many years of involvement in multilateral diplomacy, Ambassador Nguyen Thi Hoi affirmed that the S-shaped country today has undergone a strong transformation: From a country that was once besieged and embargoed, it has now become an active and proactive member of most international organizations, contributing to global policy making.

Ambassador Nguyen Thi Hoi, former Ambassador of Vietnam to Austria and Canada, former Director General and Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO. (Photo: Thanh Long)

In particular, the Ambassador believes that Vietnamese women have the capacity to complete all tasks excellently, but to do so requires experience, knowledge and courage. According to her, diplomats must learn throughout their lives - not only from books but also from practical work, from international partners and friends; because school is just the beginning, and practice is the greatest training environment.

Expressing her impression of the progress of female diplomats, Ambassador Phan Thuy Thanh affirmed that Vietnamese women in the diplomatic sector have had a journey of maturity full of effort and pride. If in the past, the role of female diplomats was mainly that of "executors", now they have gradually transformed strongly, becoming "creators", gradually participating in the policy-making process.

Ambassador Phan Thuy Thanh, former Ambassador of Vietnam to the Kingdom of Belgium and Luxembourg, Head of the Vietnamese Delegation to the European Union, former Director of the Press and Information Department. (Photo: Thanh Long)

According to the Ambassador, this change is the result of a persistent journey - from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' policies to the tireless efforts of female officials. They, with their courage and intelligence, are gradually building their reputation, contributing to the policy-making process and building a strategic consulting team for the sector.

She pointed out that in the multilateral diplomatic environment, Vietnam has become an active player, constantly proposing constructive initiatives, contributing to enhancing the country's position and image in the international arena. In particular, the softness and sophistication - qualities often found in female diplomats - are great advantages, contributing to creating a humane, close and effective foreign image.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang Van, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Central Party Agencies. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Sharing her views on the opportunities for female diplomats in the current context, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang Van, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Central Party Agencies, said that the globalized world and Vietnam's deep international integration process are opening many new doors for women in general and female diplomats in particular. This is a favorable time for women to study, improve their qualifications and expand their career options. At the same time, as gender equality is increasingly improved both domestically and internationally, women's efforts to assert their abilities and be recognized and honored have become common and widely accepted by society.

However, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang Van emphasized that to grasp those opportunities, each woman needs to make constant efforts. “When a woman achieves success, it is not because she is a woman and should be given priority, but because she deserves it and has tried to do so,” she affirmed.

The female Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee pointed out another significant advantage in the current period. That is, Vietnam is building a comprehensive, modern diplomacy based on three pillars: Party diplomacy, State diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy. In this context, some areas, typically people-to-people diplomacy, are fertile ground for the softness, flexibility and ingenuity of female diplomats to exert their strength.

Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, former Head of the Vietnamese Mission to the United Nations, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, former President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, former Director of the Department of Press and Information. (Photo: Thanh Long)

As the first female Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga could not hide her pride when witnessing the strong transformation of the female diplomatic staff over the past decade. According to the Ambassador, this special achievement is the crystallization of many factors: the close attention of leaders at all levels, the policies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the progress of the gender equality movement nationwide and most importantly, the tireless efforts of the female staff themselves.

In particular, the growth of female diplomatic staff has not only taken place within the Ministry but has also spread widely throughout the network of people-to-people diplomacy across the country. However, the Ambassador emphasized that women who want to advance in their careers often have to try twice, even three or four times harder than men. However, such efforts are only truly recognized when there is understanding and proper appreciation from men and leaders.

Thanks to their sophistication, strategic thinking, and comprehensive yet specific vision, female cadres can manage both work and family well; at the same time, they are sensitive, sharp, gentle but when necessary, very decisive, and do what they do to the end. These qualities, according to the former Deputy Minister, are the natural strengths that women are endowed with.

It can be said that the discussion is not only an opportunity to express gratitude and honor the silent contributions of generations of Vietnamese female diplomats, but also a strong source of inspiration for young people on the journey to continue the glorious mission of those working in foreign affairs.

In the increasingly deep integration flow, the typical qualities of Vietnamese women - bravery, sophistication, softness but resilience - continue to become advantages and core values, contributing to enhancing the country's position and building a modern, professional, and comprehensive diplomacy.

With a proud tradition and valuable experience from previous generations, the team of female diplomats today and tomorrow promises to continue to demonstrate steadfastness, shine on the silent front, and bring Vietnam far into the international arena.

The discussion is not only an opportunity to express gratitude and honor the silent contributions of generations of Vietnamese female diplomats, but also a strong source of inspiration for young people. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/nhung-nu-chien-si-phi-thuong-tren-mat-tran-khong-tieng-sung-315129.html