The conference was organised by the Da Nang Union of Friendship Organisations, head of Emulation Cluster No. 2, in coordination with the Hai Phong Union of Friendship Organisations, deputy head of the cluster, on the occasion of the delegations travelling to Hanoi to attend the 7th National Congress of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations for the 2026-2031 term.

Emulation Cluster No. 2 comprises the Union of Friendship Organisations of Da Nang, Hai Phong and Hue, as well as those of Hung Yen, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Dak Lak and Gia Lai provinces.

Emulation Cluster No. 2 of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations signs an Emulation Agreement for 2026-2027. (Photo: Da Nang Union of Friendship Organisations)

At the conference, the delegates reached agreement on regulations governing organisation and operations, the 2026 activity plan, and the Emulation Agreement to implement the Programme on Coordinating People-to-People Diplomacy Activities for 2026-2027.

Under the agreement, the organisations will focus on exchanging information, sharing experience, and supporting one another in activities related to peace, solidarity, friendship and international cooperation. They will also coordinate on external information, the mobilisation of foreign non-governmental aid, work involving overseas Vietnamese, and organisational development.

The delegates also discussed emulation criteria, forms of activity organisation, and difficulties faced by the organisations in terms of funding and personnel.

Nguyen Ngoc Binh, President of the Da Nang Union of Friendship Organisations, said that amid the merger of provincial-level administrative units and the merger and consolidation of local Union of Friendship Organisations, the reorganisation of the Emulation Clusters would create conditions for member organisations to strengthen exchanges and share experience, models and approaches in people-to-people diplomacy.

HCMC Friendship Dialogue: Connecting Localities, Promoting Practical Cooperation The 3rd Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue (FD 2026) will take place in the city from September 10-12, 2026, under the theme “Local Diplomacy: Driving Innovation and Sustainable Growth.” The event continues to promote the role of people-to-people diplomacy and local diplomacy in connecting cities, organizations, businesses and people from different countries.

Turning Local Identity into Foreign-Relations Brand What makes a locality attractive in the eyes of international friends? For the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, it is not only about exchange programs, but also about the ability to tell stories about its land, people and culture through authentic experiences, thereby turning local identity into an advantage in people-to-people diplomacy.