The World Press Photo Exhibition will be organized by the Embassy of the Netherlands in cooperation with the Vietnam Journalists’ Association from June 16 to July 6 at the Vietnam Fine Arts University, 42 Yet Kieu in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem district as a part of activities to celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Vietnam in 2018.

Exhibition to be held from June 16 to July 6 at Vietnam Fine Arts University, 42 Yet Kieu, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi. Photo: Richard Tsong-Taatarii from Star Tribune

The world-renowned exhibition features the best and most memorable press photographs from around the globe and showcases stories that make people stop, feel, think and act. For the first time in 15 years the exhibition is in Vietnam. Other Asian destinations in 2018 include Singapore, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Macau.

The exhibition this year consists of 130 photographs in a number of categories, such as Contemporary Issues, the Environment, General News, Nature, People, or Sports. 

Previous winners whose works were included in the World Press Photo Exhibition and who may be known in Vietnam are Vietnamese-American photographer Nick Ut, who took the famous photo of napalm victim Phan Thi Kim Phuc in 1972, German photographer Carsten Peter, who documented one of the first expeditions into Son Doong Cave in 2010, and Vietnamese photographer Maika Elan, who focused on the personal life of gay couples in Vietnam in her story ‘The Pink Choice’ in 2013. 

The 2018 winners were announced at the World Press Photo Awards Show on the evening of April 12 in Amsterdam, where Venezuelan photographer Ronaldo Schemidt was named winner of the World Press Photo 2018.

Founded in 1955 in Amsterdam, the World Press Photo Foundation is a global platform connecting professionals and audiences through trustworthy visual journalism and storytelling. The annual contest has grown into the world’s most prestigious photo competition. 

Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands is its Patron. The World Press Photo Foundation receives support from the Dutch Postcode Lottery and is supported worldwide by Canon. The exhibition visits over 100 major cities around the world and attracts 4 million visitors every year.

For almost five decades the Netherlands has contributed to Vietnam’s transition into the lower middle-income country it is today. 

Dutch development aid was and still is directed at a variety of issues, such as agriculture, water management, women’s economic empowerment, sanitation, healthcare, labor conditions in the garment sector, and the preservation of nature. 

Trade and investment relations between the two countries have also grown steadily and the Netherlands is now Vietnam’s second-largest trade partner in the EU and cumulatively the largest EU investor in the country. 

The Netherlands is recognized as a reliable, modern partner for sustainable and innovative solutions.

Speaking at the launch of celebrations for the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in February, Ambassador H.E. Nienke Trooster said: “Celebrations are not just about looking back but will also generate new opportunities for stronger relations and expanding networks. While our bilateral trade and investment ties have been growing rapidly, perhaps equally important is the increase in people-to-people contacts. I am confident that the last 45 years is just the beginning of a future of long-lasting and positive ties, not just between our countries but also between our people.”

The Embassy and the Consulate-General of the Netherlands will organize a series of events throughout this year. Dutch Days in Da Nang, Da Lat, Hai Phong and Can Tho will take place and feature the topics of trade and investment, education, and culture.

VN Economic Times