Launch of International Youth Day and UNFPA's Film Screening Event

Welcome to Green One UN House! It's incredible to see so many of you here, ready to kick off what's going to be an amazing week. A massive shout-out to all the young people from high schools, universities, and colleges across Hanoi for showing up today.

International Youth Day is a global moment to recognize and celebrate the one thing that will always shape our future: the voices of young people - your voices.

This year's theme, "Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond," is a challenge. It's a call for us to take action, right here, right now, in your own community for the Sustainable Development Goals. We need to stop thinking that the SDGs as just something for politicians and world leaders to solve. You are the leaders, the innovators, and the ones who have the power to turn a global vision into a local reality.

Viet Nam's youth are a force to be reckoned with—making up about 21% of the population! The UN in Viet Nam is proud to work alongside all of you—activists, researchers, artists, entrepreneurs, and everyone in between. Your diversity is what makes you powerful, and your collective action is what will build a more just and sustainable future.

Speaking of action, let's talk about why you're here. We’re not starting the week with a dry lecture or a boring panel. We're launching the International Youth Day week in Viet Nam with a powerful series of films.

Today we feature three short films from UNFPA on Gender-Based Violence. These are windows into different realities, designed to get us thinking, to spark a conversation, and to inspire us to be part of the solution.

This is just the beginning of our cinematic journey. Throughout the week, we'll be watching films from other UN agencies that will challenge you and inspire you:

• UNDP will show us the revolutionary story of Crip Camp, a film that will celebrate the disability rights movement.
• ILO will take us on a journey into the lives of Coffee Workers, giving us a look into the real people behind a global industry.
• UNESCO will introduce us to the incredible story of Children of the Mist.

Each film is a chance to learn, to empathize, and to connect with stories from around the world. We're here to listen to your thoughts, so get ready to be inspired, to engage in some awesome discussions, and to make this a week that actually matters. 

And don't miss out! Besides the film series on Saturday, August 16, 2025, we're also hosting a Local Youth Initiatives Fest at Complex 01. Come explore the innovative projects and ideas from our local young creators.

Now, let's get started with the first series of films.