Vietnam is not only stepping up in the global stage, it is also now a major contributor to United Nations (UN) peace operations.  

This is shared by Ms. Pauline Tamesis, UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam at the launch of the exhibition of the internationally acclaimed Gaia installation by British artist Luke Jerram at the UN International School of Hanoi (UNIS Hanoi) on October 5.

This year carries tremendous significance when Vietnam and the UN celebrate historic 80th year milestones. Both anniversaries are powerful reminders of resilience, renewal, and the ability of people to come together in pursuit of peace and progress.

According to Ms.  Tamesis, eighty years ago, nations resolved that “never again” would humanity endure the devastation of wars. Out of that vision, the UN was born: to safeguard peace, to defend human rights, and to foster international cooperation.

At the same time, Vietnam began a journey of independence, restoring peace while rebuilding the nation. Since then, the UN has accompanied the country, especially since its Doi Moi reforms initiated in 1986. Fast forward to 2025, Vietnam is a thriving country, demonstrating how investing in peace that delivers development for its people. "What a journey and transformation Vietnam has made," she said. "The UN is proud to walk this journey with Vietnam."

"While anniversaries are special moments to reflect on how far we've come - they too prompt us to look forward: What will the next 80 years bring?"  

Ms.  Tamesis shared that age, profession nor nationality do not define a changemaker. Mindset does, she said, adding that  people who choose justice over inequality; who forge solidarity over division; who inspire hope rather than despair; and that changemakers do not wait for others to lead; they step forward themselves.

"Changemaking happens at every level and in our daily lives: in the classroom, in the workplace, in the community. It happens when young people participate in decision making that affects their lives; when businesses act as good corporate citizens; and when civil society raises its voice for those left unheard," she went on.

"The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide the roadmap -- our collective blueprint for peace, equity and prosperity for people and planet," she noted. "We can achieve the SDGs when each of us embraces the role of a changemaker for the common good."

On the Vietnamese side, H.E. Dang Hoang Giang, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs also said that this year, the UN marks its 80th Anniversary, reminded not only of remarkable progresses achieved, but also the significant work that still lies ahead. Over the past eight decades, the UN has served as a cornerstone of multilateralism and global governance, bringing nations together, preventing war and conflict, preserving peace, and fostering sustainable development, he added.

"Yet, today, the UN and the international community face a range of unprecedented challenges," he said. "Conflicts, poverty, inequality, climate change, natural disasters, and other emerging crises continue to threaten our collective efforts to achieve the SDGs. These challenges calls for strengthened commitment to multilateralism, cooperation, and bold action."

In this context, the Deputy Foreign Minister affirmed the role of education that has never been more critical. "It is through education that we nurture empathy, wisdom, and a sense of shared responsibility in the next generation," he added.

For UNIS Hanoi, founded under the auspices of the UN, Dr. Elizabeth Gale, UNIS Hanoi Head of School expressed education is not only about textbooks and exams. Education is also about wonder, moments that inspire curiosity, compassion, and reflection. 

Dr. Elizabeth Gale believes climate change, technological transformation, new forms of conflict will bring challenges, but also new opportunities for cooperation and creativity. And here in Vietnam - a nation has faced immense challenges, but that has chosen resilience, innovation, and partnership, she said, adding that a nation that shows what is possible when courage and creativity combine.

"The next 80 years will bring challenges that today we can only begin to imagine," she added. "And the young people we teach today will be the scientists, the artists, the diplomats, the entrepreneurs, the teachers, and the peacemakers of tomorrow."

By hosting Gaia, UNIS Hanoi will become the first institution in Asia to present this celebrated work, underscoring Vietnam’s rising profile in global culture and sustainability. For its display at UNIS Hanoi, Gaia is paired with the Gaia SDG Experience, an interactive showcase that demonstrates how the School integrates the UN's SDGs into its teaching and community life.

By linking global challenges with local action, the exhibition highlights sustainability values for Vietnam’s youth—reinforcing the nation’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It reflects how education and art can work hand-in-hand to inspire urgent climate action and empower the next generation of leaders.

“As the UN marks 80 years of global cooperation, it is deeply meaningful to see Gaia in Vietnam for the very first time,“ Ms. Pauline Tamesis said. “This exhibition is more than art, it is a living classroom for the UN’s SDGs, brought to life through UNIS Hanoi’s powerful interpretation.”

“Hosting Gaia during the 80-year anniversaries of both the United Nations and Vietnam is a profound reminder of our shared responsibility,” added Dr. Elizabeth Gale. “The SDG Experience shows how we prepare young people not only to imagine a more sustainable world, but to lead in creating it. It is a truly transformative experience that connects our students directly to the planet they will inherit.”