MA Le Thi Thanh Giang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and President of the Can Tho Union of Friendship Organizations.

Making effectiveness, outreach and sustainability the key criteria

All people-to-people diplomacy activities must stem from the development needs of localities and the practical interests of the people, with effectiveness, outreach and sustainability serving as the criteria for assessment rather than the number of events held.

Based on practical experience, we propose that the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations continue to improve its strategic orientation mechanisms for the system of local friendship organizations in a unified yet flexible manner, and issue a set of criteria for assessing the effectiveness of people-to-people diplomacy activities in line with new requirements.

In Can Tho, people-to-people diplomacy activities are designed to address the city’s development needs, avoiding formalistic or scattered approaches. In addition to traditional activities held on the occasions of national days and anniversaries of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the city’s Union has organized exchange programs combining the arts, culture, tourism, cuisine and experiences of the Mekong waterways, helping international friends gain a deeper understanding of the people and culture of Viet Nam and the city of Can Tho.

Delegates and local residents participate in the Viet Nam-United States Friendship Festival in Can Tho City, September 13, 2025.

In mobilizing foreign non-governmental aid, numerous support programs have been implemented in the fields of healthcare, education, environmental protection, climate change adaptation, support for people with disabilities, child care and livelihood development. Medical examinations and treatment, humanitarian surgeries, scholarships, wheelchair assistance, the construction of rural transport bridges, charity houses, houses of gratitude, and clean water supply projects have delivered tangible benefits to local residents.

Delegates cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Ngon Thai Binh Bridge in Trung Nhut Ward, Can Tho City, funded by the Government of India through the Quick Impact Projects Programme, June 16, 2025. (Photo: Ha Vy)

Practice has shown that each successful aid program not only creates material value but also helps promote Viet Nam’s image as an open, humane, responsible and trustworthy country.

Shared data, personnel training and inter-regional coordination

We propose developing a shared database on international organizations, foreign non-governmental organizations, friendship partners, experts, businesses, funding foundations and cooperation programs, enabling localities to jointly access, connect and share information.

It is necessary to strengthen the training and professional development of people-to-people diplomacy personnel in a professional and modern direction, and organize specialized training courses on public diplomacy, aid mobilization, international communications, project management, negotiation skills and the application of digital technologies.

Delegates take a photo with students from Tan Loc Ward, Can Tho City, at the launch ceremony of the project “For the comprehensive development of children in difficult circumstances in educational institutions,” March 31, 2026.

People are the decisive factor. People-to-people diplomacy personnel need to have strong political mettle, international integration capacity, foreign-language proficiency and skills in building international connections. The application of digital transformation, digital communications and artificial intelligence should also be strengthened in organizing activities, managing partners, promoting the country’s image and mobilizing international resources.

The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations should continue to promote its role in coordinating and connecting localities with diplomatic missions, international organizations, foreign business associations and the Vietnamese community abroad, creating favorable conditions for localities to expand cooperative relations.

We also propose developing inter-regional coordination programs among local friendship organizations to share experience, organize large-scale friendship activities, and enhance connectivity and outreach.

Following the merger of Can Tho, Hau Giang and Soc Trang into a new administrative unit, Can Tho City now has a larger development space, with expanded population size, area and external relations. Streamlining the organizational apparatus and bringing mass organizations assigned tasks by the Party and State, including the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, under the common roof of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front provides favorable conditions for harnessing collective strength in mobilizing the people, building the great national unity bloc and expanding international cooperation.

Can Tho hopes to continue receiving support in connecting with international partners, introducing foreign non-governmental aid sources, and organizing international forums on sustainable development in the Mekong Delta, climate change adaptation, green agriculture, the circular economy, and cooperation in education, healthcare, science and technology.

Hai Phong: Focusing Resources on Key Programs Following the merger, the Hai Phong Union of Friendship Organizations is not aiming to organize more events. Instead, it is focusing its resources on key programs aligned with the city’s development priorities, supported by long-term partners and with the capacity to mobilize international resources.

Expectations and Recommendations - Part 2 Drawing on their dedication and expertise, scholars, veterans, businesspeople, tourists, artists, young people, overseas Vietnamese, as well as Vietnamese and foreign diplomats, have shared their views and aspirations for the upcoming Congress of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations.