Swiss photographer shows deep empathy for AO victims
Swiss photographer Roland Schmid plans to continue collaborating with organisations such as Green Cross Switzerland and the Switzerland-Vietnam Friendship Association on projects that aim to address the lingering consequences of AO/dioxin exposure
Swiss photographer Roland Schmid's photo exhibition on Vietnamese AO/dioxin takes place in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo: VNA)
Geneva (VNA) – Swiss photographer Roland Schmid has shared touching stories gathered from his visits to Vietnam and heartfelt encounters with Agent Orange (AO) victims, highlighting their resilience and determination to integrate into society.
Schmid’s photo exhibition, titled “War without end,” has drawn significant public attention. Through raw and powerful imagery depicting the lasting consequences of AO/dioxin on both Vietnam’s natural environment and its people, particularly the younger generations, Schmid delivers a message of compassion and solidarity with the victims, especially children.
Besides causing diseases, AO contains dioxin, which affects human genes, Schmid told a Vietnam News Agency (VNA) corresponent in Switzerland on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification (April 30, 1975 – 2025), saying generations of Vietnamese people are still suffering its effects long after the war ended.
Having visited Vietnam multiple times, Schmid said he is deeply moved by the lingering effects of the toxic defoliant sprayed by the US military during the war. Despite the suffering, he expressed admiration for the spirit and resilience of the Vietnamese people, and their inspiring stories of overcoming adversity.
Looking ahead, the photographer plans to continue collaborating with organisations such as Green Cross Sw♚itzerland and the Switzerland-Vietnam Friendship Association on projects that aim to address the lingering consequences of AO/dioxin exposure./.
Haemers Technologies, with over three decades of experience in soil decontamination, successfully tested its thermal cleaning technology on Vietnamese soil contaminated with dioxin, the deadly component of AO that has persisted in the environment for years.
A nationwide fundraising campaign to support victims of Agent Orange was launched on December 19, organised by the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA) Fund, the National Humanitarian Portal (1400), and the MBBank's charity app.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
The cultural event in Canberra not only fostered cultural exchanges between Vietnam and Australia but also contributed to promoting Vietnam’s image internationally
