To mark the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 – August 19, 2025) and the National Day of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025), the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, in collaboration with the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, launched the international children's painting contest “I love Hanoi – City for peace” on August 5 at the Hanoi Library (57 Ba Trieu Street, Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi).

Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital, is rich in cultural heritage and renowned landmarks. As a UNESCO-designated City for Peace, it serves as a vibrant hub for international cultural exchange. The city is also home to a large number of foreigners, including thousands of children living and studying here.

The contest is a meaningful artistic playground for both Vietnamese and international children in Hanoi. It offers young artists an opportunity to express their love for peace and their vision for a world of cooperation, development, and human values. It also serves as a platform to promote the image of Hanoi as a beloved, creative capital - one that embodies tradition, civility, and modernity - to global audiences.

This contest is an annual event co-organized by the Department of Culture and Sports and the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations. In previous editions, the contest attracted enthusiastic participation from thousands of children, including international students currently living in Hanoi.

The event has become a bridge for cultural exchange and friendship between Vietnamese children and their international peers. It fosters awareness among younger generations about the importance of preserving peace, protecting the environment, and building a humane and progressive society for the future of humanity.

At the launch ceremony, Nguyen Nam Hai, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, shared that the contest is an opportunity for children to unleash their creativity and showcase their artistic talents. With themes focusing on Hanoi – City for Peace and a creative, civilized, and modern capital, children are encouraged to paint their visions of love, peace, humanity, nature, and resistance to war, poverty, and disease.

He also noted that in previous years, the winning artworks left a strong impression on both judges and the public for their creativity, emotional resonance, and powerful messages. These works vividly conveyed children's innocent yet profound perspectives on life, humanity, nature, and peace. Nguyen Nam Hai expressed hope that this year’s contest would receive an enthusiastic response from children in Hanoi and abroad.

This year’s contest is open to Vietnamese and international children aged 6 to 15 who live and study in Hanoi. The organizing committee will accept submissions from August 15 to September 10, 2025.

Vietnamese contestants can send their entries to the Media and Event Department – Hanoi Cultural and Library Center (No. 7 Phung Hung Street, Ha Dong Ward) or to No. 47 Ba Trieu Street, Cua Nam Ward.

International contestants should send their submissions to the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations (City Agencies Complex, 258 Vo Chi Cong Street, Tay Ho Ward, Hanoi).

The award ceremony is scheduled for September 20, 2025.

PV