Some moments in life mark not merely a milestone—but a sign of awakening.
For Dad, it was the moment of standing center stage at One Young World, the Vietnamese flag flying amid a sea of people from more than 190 countries, among eyes seeking a new future for humanity, in Bogota, Colombia, in 2017.
One Young World is not an ordinary conference.
It is a gathering place for the world's most outstanding young leaders — founders, initiators of social movements, environmental activists, inspiring artists, people creating solutions for humanity, and young souls making positive changes in their communities. It is also a forum for heads of state, board members of many major corporations and numerous globally famous icons.
Each year, the event takes place in a different country, and its stage is regarded as the “United Nations of the younger generation.”
Behind me, at the moment I represented our S-shaped country and waved Vietnam’s national flag, stood heads of state and Nobel Peace Prize laureates such as Kofi Annan, Muhammad Yunus, and Malala Yousafzai…
They are more than famous people—they are energy fields of compassion, dedication and an ideal greater than the ego.
And there, in the heart of a world yearning for change, Dad brought Vietnam with him.
More than a national flag—it is the consciousness of a nation that has suffered wounds and is learning to heal and spread light.
The flag represents more than a country. It symbolizes a collective soul that has suffered, is learning to transform, and is rising through love and wisdom.
And Dad—standing among them—is not there to prove anything, but to bring us together into humanity's current of awakening.
I once shared a quiet lunch with Muhammad Yunus – the father of microfinance, who has helped millions of poor people worldwide have a chance to rise.
And Dad realized: on the path of service, you are not alone. When you live in alignment with your mission, the universe arranges fateful encounters, like souls on the same frequency recognizing one another.
I flew Vietnam’s flag amid the world, not to be seen – but so the world could see a Vietnam awakening.
The spirit of “We Are One” has long lived within Dad and was further strengthened by “One Young World.” There, Dad saw a “more united world,” and that spirit accompanied Dad through many steps of the journey ahead.
And after that trip, Dad's life also changed in many ways. Dad spent more time alongside Mom. Dad had you children. And beside Dad were companions whose energy fields resonated beautifully with his own.
That journey is not for showing off, but a reminder to myself, to you, and to us:
“When we live in harmony with our soul, we do not need to push our way through or shout loudly. Simply by being present in the right place, our light will naturally spread.”
