Ho Bao Duy, a 9th grader from Ho Chi Minh City, surpassed nearly 2 million peers nationwide to win the first prize of the 36th UPU Letter Writing Contest – Vietnam 2007.

This year’s contest was in response to the millennium goal on sustainable development and the International Polar Year.

In his letter addressed to US President George W. Bush, Ho Bao Duy expressed his deep concern and desire to protect the environment.

The letter will be sent to the UPU International Letter Writing Contest, an annual event held by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) to help children develop their writing and cognitive skills, as well as to help strengthen the friendship among nations.

Vietnam has participated in the UPU International Letter Writing Contest since 1980 and has secured two third and three consolation prizes.