According to the agenda, the Congress consists of two sessions. The first session takes place in the morning, with key items including the adoption of the agenda and working regulations; hearing the review reports of the Presidium and the Inspection Committee of the 6th term; the report on amendments and supplements to the Charter; presentations; and the adoption of the personnel plan and election of the Executive Committee for the 7th term.

Following the first session, the Executive Committee of the 7th term will convene its first meeting to elect the Standing Committee, the President, Vice Presidents, the Inspection Committee, and the Head of the Inspection Committee.

The formal session will take place in the afternoon, featuring the opening address, a summary of the Political Report, a documentary film on activities during the 2019-2026 term, presentations, and a guiding speech by Party and State leaders. The Congress will hear a report on the outcomes of the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the 7th term; witness the introduction of the new Executive Committee; and adopt the amended and supplemented Charter and the Congress Resolution.

Today marks the 7th National Congress of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations for the 2026–2031 term.

Building on the 2019-2026 Period

The 2019-2026 period unfolded against a backdrop of major, rapid and complex developments in the world and the region, directly affecting foreign affairs in general and people-to-people diplomacy in particular.

According to the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, people-to-people diplomacy during this period gradually shifted from purely friendship exchanges toward the establishment of mechanisms and regular, in-depth activities. Its network of friends and partners continued to expand. The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and its member organizations currently maintain relations with more than 1,500 partners and have developed relations with more than 300 new partners across the continents.

Work with foreign non-governmental organizations shifted from “receiving aid” to “proactively connecting, orienting and creating development cooperation,” linking international resources with Viet Nam’s development priorities. Research, policy advice and external information work also saw positive changes, while the organizational structures at the central and local levels were streamlined and consolidated.

These results have laid a foundation for the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations to enter the new term with higher requirements, as well as greater and significantly changed challenges and opportunities.

Today marks the 7th National Congress of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations for the 2026-2031 term. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

A new vision, clearer results

In the new term, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations has determined that people-to-people diplomacy must closely follow the Party’s guidelines and orientations and the State’s policies; serve socio-economic development objectives; and contribute to safeguarding national interests and the interests of the people.

The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations’ people-to-people diplomacy is positioned within the development of Viet Nam’s comprehensive, modern and professional diplomacy, as well as within the overall people-to-people diplomacy of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front and its member organizations. It will continue to play a core role in people-to-people diplomacy.

The overarching goal to be presented to the Congress is to build the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, from the central to local levels, into a strong and comprehensive organization in terms of its organizational structure; develop a contingent of officials with firm political resolve, strong foreign-language proficiency, and expertise in professional knowledge and skills; and establish a strong international partnership network with broad and far-reaching influence. The content and methods of its activities will be oriented toward placing greater emphasis on substantive effectiveness, with concrete products and measurable results that directly serve the development objectives of the country and localities.

At the same time, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations aims to firmly affirm and maximize its core role in the people-to-people diplomacy pillar; proactively coordinate with member organizations of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front; and closely and effectively work in concert with Party diplomacy and State diplomacy to successfully fulfill the “key and regular” task, promote the pioneering role of foreign affairs in creating and maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, firmly safeguarding the Fatherland from an early stage and from afar, and enabling the country to move confidently into a new era of national rise.

The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations has adopted “Proactive adaptation, breakthrough innovation, practical effectiveness” as its motto of action for the new term.

Ensuring French Resources Continue to Contribute to Viet Nam More than 50 French non-governmental organisations are operating in Viet Nam. In his congratulatory letter to the 7th National Congress of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations for the 2026-2031 term, French Ambassador to Viet Nam Olivier Brochet acknowledged the Union’s role in supporting these organisations, while highlighting the expanding network of French-Vietnamese partners through cooperation between the Embassy of France and the Viet Nam-France Friendship and Cooperation Association.

Continuing Tradition, Writing Next Chapter of Success in Nation’s New Era of Development Today, the 7th National Congress for the 2026-2031 term of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations officially opens. The Congress takes place against the backdrop of our nation's successful hosting of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam - an event of vital significance that established the strategic vision and goals to propel the country into a new era of development. The spirit of the 14th Party Congress, driven by the aspiration for progress, the nation's elevated stature, and the imperative to innovate thinking and operational approaches across all fields, serves as the guiding star for our Congress to evaluate results, draw lessons, and set major directions for the next five-year period.