The celebration of United Nations Day is an occasion for member states to reaffirm their commitment to the ideals of global peace and security. It is also an opportunity for the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei to look back on its achievements in maintaining security, and for the troop-contributing countries to strengthen international solidarity through cultural exchange.
As part of the cultural exchange activities during the celebration, Viet Nam’s Engineering Company Rotation 4 “blue berets” brought a delightful surprise to their international friends.
The same hands accustomed to operating heavy machinery such as bulldozers and excavators were now skilfully crafting elegant and exquisite dishes. Going beyond the limits of their technical duties, the members of Engineering Company Rotation 4 prepared intricate Vietnamese dishes rich in flavour and cultural identity. These moments were not just about showcasing Vietnamese cuisine but also about building bridges of connection — sharing warmth through taste, touching hearts, and leaving a lasting impression on their international colleagues.
Despite limited material conditions, the preparation and cooking posed significant challenges, requiring careful ingredient selection and creative seasoning. The soldiers introduced nem, banh mi, and Vietnamese coffee - three distinctive dishes that immediately captured the curiosity and admiration of fellow peacekeepers from around the world.
The delicacy of nem, the variety of banh mi, and the bittersweet richness of Vietnamese coffee helped Viet Nam’s “blue berets” sow seeds of goodwill, strengthening bonds with other peacekeeping contingents and turning the UNISFA camp in Abyei into a more multicultural and friendly environment.
The culinary showcase at the celebration was not merely about cooking. It was a way for Engineering Company Rotation 4 to “soften” the image of soldiers, opening a window for international friends to understand Viet Nam as a nation not only heroic in war but also refined in culture and rich in daily life.
The participation of Viet Nam’s Engineering Company Rotation 4 in the UNISFA mission, honoured on United Nations Day, stands as a strong affirmation of Viet Nam’s stature and responsibility on the global stage. Viet Nam continues to demonstrate its firm and long-term commitment to United Nations peacekeeping operations, contributing to the shared goal of maintaining global peace and security.
Elevating the nation’s international standing, Viet Nam has transformed from a country once ravaged by war into a trusted and responsible partner of the global community, making meaningful contributions to solving international challenges.
This year’s United Nations Day left a remarkable impression with the presence of Engineering Company Rotation 4 in Abyei — where the image of Viet Nam’s “blue beret” soldiers continues to write new chapters of courage, professionalism, and compassion, lighting the flame of hope for a peaceful future in the heart of Africa.
