BUV Students Explore Sustainable Communication for Fostering Gender Equality at the United Nations Office
Summary
Recently, students from the Professional Communication programme at the School of Communications & Creative Industries of British University Vietnam (BUV), embarked on a memorable field trip to the United Nations Office in Hanoi (GOUNH). More than a simple visit, this journey was a true “classroom beyond the lecture hall,” offering students the chance to engage directly…
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Recently, students from the Professional Communication programme at the School of Communications & Creative Industries of British University Vietnam (BUV), embarked on a memorable field trip to the United Nations Office in Hanoi (GOUNH).
More than a simple visit, this journey was a true “classroom beyond the lecture hall,” offering students the chance to engage directly with professionals driving international gender equality communication campaigns. Through these interactions, students gained a deeper understanding of the power of language, visuals, and storytelling in transforming community perceptions and behaviours.
The Power of Communication in Transforming Social Behaviour
A highlight of the BUV students’ field trip to the United Nations Office in Hanoi (GOUNH) was a thematic discussion hosted by UN Women, focusing on “Gender Equality and Communication Initiatives.” In an open and candid atmosphere, students from the Professional Communication programme at BUV’s School of Communication & Creativity were encouraged to ask questions and share perspectives on sensitive topics such as sexual harassment, gender stereotypes, and the daily societal barriers women and girls face.
A notable statistic shared during the session revealed that over 90% of women who experience sexual harassment do not report it, according to UN Women research. This figure underscores the persistent societal biases around gender and highlights the urgent need for communication strategies that empower women to feel safe and confident in speaking out.
Students encouraged to discuss personal perspectives on gender equality
Bui Tue Khanh, a first-year Professional Communication student at BUV, shared: “One key lesson I’ll always remember is that gender equality isn’t just a women’s issue – it’s a shared responsibility for society. This trip showed that even students can help build a fairer world through small actions: calling out injustice, supporting women in academic and work settings, or simply challenging our own biases.”
In the discussion, Hoang Bich Thao, Communications and Advocacy Officer at UN Women Vietnam, praised the BUV students’ insight and intelligence in development-related fields. “Your questions were sharp and reflected the real concerns of those working in development and communication at the UN. Your focus on measuring change and evaluating campaign impact tackles a complex and significant challenge in development communication,” she said.
Ms Hoang Bich Thao shared during the thematic discussion of UN Women
Communication for Development Beyond Traditional PR
Through the discussion with UN Women representatives, BUV students were introduced to the Communication for Development (C4D) model – a method focused on driving behavioural change, distinct from traditional PR approaches.
Unlike one-way messaging, C4D emphasises two-way dialogue, community participation, and evidence-based strategies. It blends emotionally resonant storytelling with reliable data, not only raising awareness but also inspiring action and long-term societal mindset shifts.
UN Women is also actively leveraging platforms like Facebook and TikTok to engage youth – those are increasingly vital in shaping trends and advocating for gender equality.
Architecture as a Message for Sustainable Development
In addition to the UN Women discussion, BUV students explored the Green One UN House, a pioneering sustainable architecture project in Vietnam. This real-world case study vividly demonstrates how design, technology, and user behaviour can be integrated to minimise environmental impact.
BUV students were introduced to the Green One UN House
The Green One UN House reuses 94% of its original structure, avoiding demolition and new construction. It incorporates solar energy systems, innovative water recycling, and indoor air quality control to meet ISO 14001 standards (the international benchmark for environmental management).
“We focus on three key pillars: efficient resource use, saving electricity and water; optimising health through air quality and lighting; and minimising waste,” said Nguyen Hong Hai, Facilities Manager at Green One UN House, during the discussion.
Students were also introduced to how the Green One UN House drives behavioural change through tools like print usage tracking and waste audits, fostering a “green living” culture within the organisation – a practical insight for those studying communication and aiming for careers in sustainable development.
“Our visit was an enriching experience, offering valuable insights into environmental responsibility and broader sustainable practices. It was an educational journey that inspired us to think more critically about our role in building a greener future,” said Talukder Sandra Christina, an international programme student.
Lessons the Students Brought Back
From gaining deeper insights into gender equality and sustainable development to understanding how international organisations craft evidence-based communication strategies, the experience equipped BUV students with a broader mindset and robust foundation for their future careers. The visit to the United Nations Office in Hanoi not only broadened BUV students’ professional knowledge but also deepened their sense of responsibility and purpose as communicators in a globalised world.
The Professional Communication programme at BUV, under the School of Communications & Creative Industries (SOCCI), equips students with multi-platform communication skills, critical thinking, social awareness, and the ability to create systemic, humane, and sustainable communication solutions.
From gaining deeper insights into gender equality and sustainable development to understanding how international organisations craft evidence-based communication strategies, the experience equipped BUV students with a broader mindset and robust foundation for their future careers. The visit to the United Nations Office in Hanoi not only broadened BUV students’ professional knowledge but also deepened their sense of responsibility and purpose as communicators in a globalised world. 
