Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of Information andCommunications (MIC), in collaboration with the Vietnam Association ofPhotographic Artists and relevant agencies, launched the “Happy Vietnam” photoand video contest for this year on March 20, in response to the International Day ofHappiness.

Addressing the launching ceremony, which drew the onlineparticipation of representatives from the 63 localities across the country, MICDeputy Minister Nguyen Thanh Lam said that the UN-designated day highlights the role of happiness andsatisfaction during sustainable development promotion and poverty reduction,and the importance of happiness and human rights in the policy-making processof each country.

Vietnam is currently one of the 193 UN member states committedto supporting and acting, actively and making more efforts to build a world of equality,sustainable development and bringing happiness to mankind, Lam noted.

He said that the contest, firstlaunched in 2023, aims to honour meaningful moments and stories about allaspects of Vietnam’s political, economic, cultural, and social life throughphotos and videos by domestic and international authors, thus vividly affirmingVietnam's achievements in human rights promotion.

It is also expected to promote the image of the land and people ofVietnam to the world, showing the world that Vietnam is a nation of peace, beauty,dynamic development, and happiness, the official said.

Authors can submit their works, created notbefore January 1, 2022, to the contest via website //happy.vietnam.vn from now untilAugust 20.

The organising board will present one gold, two silver, and three bronze medals, and 10consolation prizes to winners, along with one prize for most voted work.

The awarding ceremony will be held in the fourth quarter ofthis year. About 100-150 works entering the final round will be showcased atexhibitions serving external information work inside and outside the country./.