Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai and Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang attended the 52nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council. Photo: Vietnamese Permanent Representative Delegation in Geneva

As a female diplomat on the "front line" of multilateral diplomacy promoting and protecting human rights, including the rights of women and girls, what do you think about your "mission"?

I consider the work of female diplomats in Geneva to be an important, honorable and proud "mission".

We strive to meet the high demands and pressures of working at the Vietnamese Permanent Representative Delegation in Geneva, a major center of multilateral diplomacy and global governance, with more than 30 intergovernmental organizations in a variety of fields.

The promotion and protection of human rights as well as other areas of the delegation's multilateral work require close coordination with bilateral diplomacy, throughout multilateral forums in Geneva.

Women's rights are an important part of human rights, peace and sustainable development, three important pillars of the United Nations (UN). We believe that there can be no inclusive and sustainable peace and development without respecting and ensuring the equal rights of women and girls.

As Ambassador and Head of the Vietnamese Permanent Representative Delegation in Geneva, I am always conscious of promoting the traditions of Vietnamese women and female diplomats.

I am part of a network of pioneering diplomats promoting gender equality in Geneva, always working to ensure equal opportunities for women to participate in decision-making and to be evaluated fairly on the basis of their abilities and capabilities.

We participate in meetings, negotiations and discussions with international partners to highlight policies, achievements, and promote our country's initiatives to strengthen the great potential and important role of women in the cause of building and protecting the Fatherland.

We also contribute to strengthening the development and implementation of policies, actions, and programs on promoting and protecting the rights of women and girls, combating violence and discrimination against women.

Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai organized an exchange to promote women's participation in diplomacy and multilateralism (July 18, 2023). Photo: Vietnamese Permanent Representative Delegation in Geneva

As a female diplomat with international experiences, in many countries with different cultures, what beauty do you think Vietnamese women stand out in?

I find the beauty of Vietnamese women outstanding.

Firstly, Vietnamese women have soft power which is a glorious tradition and achievement of generations of Vietnamese women, along with natural beauty, gentleness and sophistication. Pure on the inside and shining from within, the beauty of Vietnamese women brings warmth and harmony.

Second, the beauty of Vietnamese women is also shown through their strength and steadfastness, daring to sacrifice in the fight for common work, preserving national independence, protecting and building the country.

Vietnamese women have been making important contributions to the protection and development of the country. The dedication, sacrifice and steadfastness of Vietnamese women are a strong and admirable source of inspiration.

The beauty of Vietnamese women also lies in solidarity, love, sharing, and harmony in the community. This demonstrates the spirit of peace and gratitude of Vietnamese women in building a united and happy community.

I believe that the outstanding beauty of Vietnamese women is not only physical beauty, but also the perfect combination of character, dedicated spirit, and steadfastness for the community.

This beauty not only shines in the Vietnamese community, but is also appreciated and recognized in the international community through generations of our country's female leaders and diplomats.

As a Vietnamese woman working in international law, do you think "the power of the rose" will ever become a "weapon" to achieve results beyond expectations?

Through the contributions of many generations of female leaders and diplomats, I believe that the power of the "rose" is the intelligence, softness and perseverance, flexibility and steadfastness of women, that can become "weapon" to achieve results beyond expectations.

Diplomacy and international law are intertwined. I was fortunate to be trained and work in diplomacy and international law, with more than 30 years working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Contributing to the development and enforcement of laws and policies domestically as well as discussing, and negotiating at the regional and international levels not only requires principles, but also the ability to analyze, solve problems and persuade with recognized legal-political bases.

Women's intelligence, softness but perseverance, flexibility and steadfastness help female diplomats grasp and deeply understand the complexity of interconnected political and legal issues. From there, we analyze, and persuade to implement the best solution.

What do you think about the advantages of women working as diplomats, the beauty of female diplomats in national ao dai attending important international forums?

I think that the strength of a female diplomat comes from her ability to contribute, her professionalism, plus her sophistication, soft yet persistent, flexible yet steadfast approach.

Vietnamese female diplomats are increasing in number, continuing to promote the traditions of previous generations, constantly striving to create and strengthen trust, and expand strong partnerships.

Regarding the ao dai, I see it as a typical symbol of Vietnamese culture. Wearing national ao dai, attending and speaking at important international forums is a way to show pride in the glorious traditions of Vietnamese women, culture and identity of Vietnam in the international arena.

The importance of women working in diplomacy, both multilaterally and bilaterally, is their ability to contribute and professionalism in their work. Female diplomats as well as women's roles are evaluated based on their capacity and work results.

The advantage of women working in diplomacy lies in their ability to build relationships and create trust, professionalism, and constructive contributions. This advantage will be further reinforced with the ao dai representing the beauty and identity of the Vietnamese nation with its glorious tradition, the country's policies and achievements in the current period.

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