“This year I will…”

Leaders of Binh Dinh Union of Friendship Organizations gave gifts to Laos students on Bunpimay 2022 (Photo: Binh Dinh Union of Friendship Organizations)

Mai Thanh Thang, President of Binh Dinh Union of Friendship Organizations: Festival of people-to-people diplomacy work

“In 2023, Binh Dinh Union of Friendship Organizations was selected to host the National Conference on People-to-people Diplomacy. It is expected that the event will have the participation of representatives of the Central Committee for External Relations; delegates from the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations; provincial leaders, departments, and agencies of Binh Dinh province; 49 Union of friendship organizations at the provincial level and 51 central member organizations.

The conference is a forum that reflects the common voice of the whole system of the Union of Friendship Organizations. At the same time, it is an opportunity for the Unions at the provincial level and member organizations to share information, practical experiences, and situations in the locality; exchange and propose solutions and initiatives on contents and methods of implementing activities in the fields of peace, solidarity, friendship, development cooperation, foreign non-governmental organizations, and external information.

To prepare for the Conference, Binh Dinh Union of Friendship Organizations will coordinate with the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations and authorized agencies and units of the province to organize the conference in a scientific, effective, and attentive way”.

Nguyen Thanh Tri, President of the Dong Nai Union of Friendship Organizations.

Nguyen Thanh Tri, President of the Dong Nai Union of Friendship Organizations: Celebrating the 10th “Birthday”

2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Union of Friendship Organizations of Dong Nai Province (2013-2023). On this occasion, Dong Nai Union plans to host a series of activities, including a contest to learn about people-to-people diplomacy, the designing contest of friendship cultural gifts for people-to-people diplomacy work of Dong Nai province.

The Union will also organize the Conference honoring outstanding examples in people-to-people diplomacy work in the expanded Southeast region; the Bilingual design contest for officials and members of friendship associations to understand the history and culture of Dong Nai, etc.

Dong Nai Union of Friendship Organizations will carry out people-to-people exchange and cooperation activities in various and attractive forms. The theme of activities is linked with specific goals in the fields of economy and trade, culture and education, science and technology, tourism, health, environmental protection, response to climate change, overcoming war consequences, etc.

At the same time, Dong Nai will focus on attracting the participation and support of the young generation; of foreign businessmen, scientists, politicians, and cultural figures who are reputable and have affection towards Vietnam”.

MoU signing between World Vision and Quang Nam.

Tran Van Em, Chief of office of the Quang Nam Union of Friendship Organizations: Efforts to achieve VND 15 billion in aid

Quang Nam Union of Friendship Organizations sets a goal to mobilize VND 13-15 billion in aid from foreign NGOs in 2023.

The main solution is to encourage and create all favorable conditions for foreign NGOs to operate locally in accordance with the law. We will work closely with foreign NGOs to well implement aid activities for the sustainable socio-economic development of communities in the province. Quang Nam will consider allocating reciprocal capital sources for foreign non-governmental programs and projects according to the spending tasks of the project recipients and the decentralization of expenditure tasks at each level.

At the same time, we commit to donors in accordance with the provisions of the law on budget. We will also provide mechanisms to promptly encourage and reward organizations and individuals that have made active and effective contributions to foreign non-governmental aid work in the province. The province always focuses on reforming administrative procedures so that foreign non-governmental aid programs and projects can operate in a timely and effective manner.

Hoang Duc Cuong, General Secretary of the Nghe An Union of Friendship Organizations

Hoang Duc Cuong, General Secretary of the Nghe An Union of Friendship Organizations: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and other countries

In 2023, Nghe An Union of Friendship Organizations will focus on people-to-people diplomacy activities on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and other countries: Vietnam – Japan (21/9/1973-21/9/2030); Vietnam – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (11/9/1973-11/9/2023); Vietnam – France (11/9/1973-11/9/2023).

The Vietnam – Japan, Vietnam – France, and Vietnam – UK friendship associations closely coordinate with relevant departments and agencies to plan for dialogue and friendship exchanges.

Nghe An Union of Friendship Organizations will provide information and directive documents of the Party and State on the people-to-people diplomacy work for member organizations; strengthen coordination and exchange of information with departments, agencies, socio-political organizations, universities, and colleges, relevant localities in the province, Union of Friendship Organizations in provinces and cities nationwide on experiences in organizing people-to-people diplomacy activities in the new situation.

In particular, Nghe An Union of Friendship Organizations will support the member organizations to host activities on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and other countries…”

Online conference in 2022 between the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee of 4 border provinces (Vietnam) and the Secretary of the Party Committee of Yunnan Province (China).

Nguyen Khanh Tuan, Vice President of Lao Cai Union of Friendship Organizations: Many congresses in people-to-people diplomacy will be held

In 2023, Lao Cai Union of Friendship Organizations will organize the first Congress of Vietnam – Laos Friendship Association in Lao Cai province (expected in the second quarter of 2023); The 6th Congress of Vietnam – China Friendship Association in Lao Cai province (expected in the third quarter of 2023); The 6th Congress of Lao Cai Union of Friendship Organizations (expected in the third quarter of 2023).

The Lao Cai Union of Friendship Organizations will coordinate with the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations to hold an international friendship exchange program in the spring of 2023 in Lao Cai.

The program is expected to be held at the end of the first quarter of 2023 with the participation of embassies of countries in Vietnam. In addition, a friendship exchange with the Yunnan Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (People’s Republic of China) will be held in Lao Cai. The exchange is scheduled to be organized from the end of the third quarter to the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2023.

Can Tho Union of Friendship Organizations gives gifts to Vietnam – Japan friendship village.

Le Thi Thanh Giang, President of Can Tho Union of Friendship Organizations: Organizing a series of events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam – Japan

In 2023, Can Tho Union of Friendship Organizations will coordinate with the Japanese Embassy and Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City to held a series of activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan (September 21, 1973 – September 21, 2023) in Can Tho.

The main activities will be: Organizing the 6th “Vietnam – Japan Cultural and Commercial Festival”; The 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan; Vietnam – Japan Cultural Exchange Festival 2023”;

Exchanges between the Vietnam – Japan Friendship Association of Can Tho and the Japan – Vietnam Friendship Association; Displaying and performing Ao dai for cultural exchange between Vietnam and Japan; Photo exhibition activities “Peace Movement in Japan Supporting Vietnam during Wartime (1954-1975) and the Vietnam – Japan Friendship”; cultural and art exchange activities such as: Haiku calligraphy, Origami, Japanese Martial Art of Kendo.

These activities contribute to strengthening the friendship, solidarity and cultural exchange between the two countries.

Nguyen Huy Quang, Vice President of Vinh Phuc Union of Friendship Organizations: Developing a strategy for the development of people-to-people diplomacy of the province

The implementation of people-to-people diplomacy will ensure consistency. The management and organization of the system, regulations on coordination to implement people-to-people diplomacy activities will bring about high efficiency, depth and substance, meeting the requirements in the new situation.

It also ensures the leadership and direction of the Party committees at all levels, the close coordination between agencies, units and localities; contributes to raising awareness of branches, mass organizations and people about the role, position and importance of people-to-people diplomacy in the new situation.

It helps to strongly innovate contents and modes of operation, constantly improve the efficiency of people-to-people diplomacy under the motto “Active, flexible, creative and effective”.

Currently, the plan to build a project to improve people-to-people diplomacy of Vinh Phuc Union of Friendship Organizations has been approved and agreed by the Provincial People’s Committee. This is one of the major key tasks that will be carried out in 2023. The Provincial Union of Friendship Organizations is taking the first steps to implement this important project.

A bridge in Binh Dinh sponsored by The Corea Peace 3000.

Phu Quang Kich, Chief of staff, Ca Mau Union of Friendship Organizations: Completing processes and procedures to attract and effectively use foreign investment

In 2023, the Ca Mau Union of Friendship Organizations will take advantage of the introduction and support of the People’s Aid Coordinating Committee (PACCOM of VUFO), the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City to connect with new organizations.

We will continue to guide and closely coordinate with relevant agencies at the provincial and local levels to select and develop projects in areas, suitable to the actual situation of the industry, the locality, the criteria and financial capacity of the partner.

The Ca Mau Union of Friendship Organizations supports to development of partnerships (organize at least 2 groups to mobilize aid in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi).

We continue to complete the data on the demand for foreign NGO aid in Ca Mau province and summarize the project information posted on the agency’s website to make it easier for foreign non-governmental organizations.

We implement the ongoing aid in the province, focusing on checking and monitoring the progress and quality of the works; strictly comply with regulations on receiving and working with foreign delegations coming to work in the province. We advise and solve problems arising during the implementation of the project.

The Union of Friendship Organizations of Ca Mau Province will also promptly give comments on the receipt of foreign non-governmental aid; the consideration of granting, renewing, amending, supplementing and revoking registration papers of foreign non-governmental organizations operating in Ca Mau province.