The final round and awards ceremony of “Youth with Unesco Global Geoparks forum” contest

The winner of the Contest will represent Cao Bang to compete with the representatives of the other UNESCO Global Geoparks in Vietnam: Dong Van Karst Plateau UGGp and Dak Nong UGGp in the National Final round. The winner will represent Vietnam Global Geoparks Network (VGN) to participate in UNESCO Global Geoparks Youth Forum scheduled December 2021 in Korea.

This Contest had high requirements for the candidates at the age of 18-24, with leadership ability, good communication and presentation skills in English, having knowledge and understanding about geoparks and social knowledge. After the Preliminary round, there were 05 excellent finalists, who were highly appreciated, with the average IELTS band score above 7, for example, Ha Tu Anh: 8.0 IELTS, Ngyen Thi Van Khanh: IELTS:7.5; most of them are fast-track students of notable universities such as University of Languages and International Studies – Hanoi National University, Foreign Trade University. The contestants’ presentations focused on initiatives/activities “Proposing actions contributing to 16 focus areas of UNESCO Global Geoparks and Sustainable Development Goals, Agenda 2030 of the UN”

After completing two sections multiple choice questions and idea presentation in English and answering questions from the judges, with her excellent performance and understanding about general knowledge of UNESCO global geoparks and social knowledge, Le Thu Trang was highly evaluated and awarded the First prize. Le Thu Trang also showed her activeness and enthusiasm through impressive achievements, sophomore of International Relationship, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DVA), member of 2030 Youth Force Vietnam, a network inspiring youth to engage in the promotion of SDGs and initiate actions to drive positive changes towards an inclusive and peaceful society. Currently, she is Head of the Board of organizers of DAV’s Leader, an annual program to find out the Leader for DVA freshman students, one of the biggest activities for DVA students. In addition to social activities, she also achieved many academic records: highest score of Group D, National high school exam; Bronze medals Hung Vuong Summer Camp 2017, 2018 in Tuyen Quang and Phu Tho provinces respectively, Hoa Trang Nguyen Awards 2019 (a scholarship encouraging and honoring outstanding students who overcome difficulties and endeavor to earn high academic achievements), 2019 Award honoring ethnic minority students with outstanding National high school exam results, etc.

Speaking after winning the prize, Le Thu Trang expressed her honor and pride to represent Cao Bang youth to participate in the National final round held on August 26^th and promised to try her best to voice up Cao Bang youth’s wishes to contribute to the development of Non nuoc Cao Bang geopark and province.

Also at the Contest, Mr. Truong The Vinh, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Director of the Management Board of Non Nuoc Cao Bang UGGp, Head of Contest Organizing Committee highly applauded thecontestants’ ideas contributing to the homeland and committed to accompany them to realize their wishes contributing to the development of the geopark.  

Other prizes awarded to: Second prize: Dinh Nong Huong Dung, Third prize: Ha Tu Anh and Nguyen Thi Van Khanh, Consolation prize: Pham Dam Huong Ly.

It can be seen from the Contest that Cao Bang youth, especially, students have expressed their responsibilities and desire to contribute to sustainable development of Cao Bang in general and Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark in particular through their talents, enthusiasm and spirit of youth.