New Mindsets and Approaches in Mobilizing Foreign Non-Governmental Aid
	Hai Phong: Integrating People-to-People Diplomacy into Foreign Non-Governmental Projects

The Conference heard reports from four thematic workshops, through which participants reviewed the overall picture of cooperation outcomes between Vietnam and development partners. All workshops agreed that the success of programs and projects relies heavily on four pillars: strategic orientation; transparent information-sharing; sustainable financial resources; and practical experience.

The workshops also received many candid contributions from foreign NGOs, especially recommendations related to the legal environment and administrative procedures. These inputs serve as the official basis for the Committee for Foreign NGO Affairs to consolidate and report to competent authorities, thereby addressing obstacles and materializing proposals to create maximum convenience for partners.

The plenary and closing ceremony of the 5th International Conference on Cooperation between Vietnam and Foreign NGOs, “Partnership for Prosperity and Sustainable Development.” (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Speaking at the Conference, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) and Vice Chairman of the Committee for Foreign NGO Affairs Nguyen Ngoc Hung affirmed that Vietnam remains steadfast in placing people at the center - as the actors and driving force of development. The Draft Political Report for the 14th National Party Congress defines external relations as a “key and regular” task (alongside national defense and security). This presents both an opportunity and a requirement for people-to-people diplomacy in general and NGO affairs in particular, demanding continued innovation from Vietnam and its partners to strengthen cooperation and enhance effectiveness in the coming period.

He urged foreign NGOs to shift from widespread operations to focusing resources on priority localities, such as poor provinces or areas with specific advantages, to ensure sustainable impact. In terms of sectors, he encouraged seeking new solutions such as technical assistance, management software for climate change response, promoting STEM education, and improving “soft components” (technology-based classrooms, teacher training exchanges, etc.) rather than concentrating solely on physical infrastructure.

Vice President of VUFO and Vice Chairman of the Committee for Foreign NGO Affairs Nguyen Ngoc Hung discusses future cooperation orientations. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Particularly, VUFO and the Committee for Foreign NGO Affairs called for the support of NGOs and partners in two specific programs: providing books, equipment, and operational guidance for standard libraries; and sponsoring 3,000-5,000 students at 248 schools in disadvantaged areas, in line with the Politburo’s Conclusion on the policy of constructing schools in border communes, as stated in Notification No. 81-TB/TW dated July 18, 2025. Finally, he proposed that foreign NGOs and partners jointly build a cooperation ecosystem and proactively guide and collaborate with the Vietnamese side in resource mobilization to approach new donors, ensuring that mobilized resources remain well-directed, well-targeted, and effective.

The Conference adopted a Declaration calling for the close attention, companionship, and active support of the international community, particularly development organizations, donors, businesses, corporations, and socially responsible individuals, to join hands for a sustainably developing and prosperous Vietnam. Participants committed to continuing efforts to build and strengthen sustainable cooperative relations based on mutual understanding, respect, solidarity, and friendship between the Vietnamese people and peoples worldwide; affirmed the essential role of people-to-people cooperation in promoting peace, development, and global connectivity; and expressed hope for continued long-term, responsible, and effective engagement from international partners in the time ahead.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Committee for Foreign NGO Affairs Ngo Le Van delivers the closing remarks at the Conference. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Delivering the closing remarks, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Committee for Foreign NGO Affairs Ngo Le Van reviewed the key contents and notable achievements in NGO cooperation since the 4th Conference in 2019, highlighting the following:

Foreign NGOs have disbursed more than USD 1.1 billion in aid and implemented thousands of humanitarian and development programs and projects across all regions of Vietnam. These resources have been directed toward essential sectors, with many effective development models documented and replicated.

Foreign NGOs have made important contributions to promoting the image of a peaceful, compassionate, proactive, and internationally responsible Vietnam.

Cooperation between foreign NGOs and Vietnamese partners (state agencies, people’s organizations, local authorities, enterprises, etc.) has been strengthened, expanded, and deepened on the basis of equality, respect, and mutual trust. Coordination mechanisms, information-sharing, and oversight have been improved, leading to more effective, transparent, and nationally aligned use of aid.

The four thematic workshops produced numerous important initiatives and recommendations. The Committee will compile these and report to the Government to support policymaking in the new phase. The recommendations focus on five core areas: improving the legal framework and management mechanisms for NGO aid to ensure transparency, convenience, and alignment with international standards; renewing coordination procedures to enhance local proactivity and more effectively integrate aid into development goals; strengthening data sharing and digital technology application in project management, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure timeliness and connectivity; building capacity for officials working on NGO affairs at all levels, especially in integration skills and policy advisory capabilities; and encouraging private-sector participation, particularly in digital transformation, green transition, and innovation.

Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van emphasized that as Vietnam enters a new stage of development, cooperation with foreign NGOs must continue to undergo strong innovation. In this spirit, the Conference agreed on four major orientations for the next period:

First, strengthen the mobilization and effective use of NGO aid, particularly in strategic areas such as human resource development, green transition, digital transformation, climate change adaptation, environmental protection, and community resilience. NGO aid should be closely linked with Vietnam’s national strategies and international commitments.

Second, consolidate and expand networks of friends and international partners, and enhance information exchange among Vietnamese partners, foreign NGOs, and beneficiary units in order to promote the spread of good models, best practices, and sustainable development values.

Third, improve the legal environment and management mechanisms for NGO aid in a modern, transparent, and efficient manner, and promote digital transformation across the entire aid reception, management, and evaluation process.

Fourth, focus on capacity building for officials involved in NGO affairs at both central and local levels, improving project management skills, diplomatic skills, integration capacity, and policy analysis to meet the increasingly high demands of the new development phase.

Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van expressed confidence that these four orientations will form a solid foundation for enhancing the effectiveness of NGO aid while strengthening the bond between Vietnam and its international friends toward the goals of sustainable and prosperous development.

Recognizing the Contributions of Foreign NGOs and Partners to Vietnam’s Sustainable Development On the same day, the Committee for Foreign NGO Affairs and the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) held a Commendation Ceremony to acknowledge the positive contributions of collectives and foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to Vietnam’s sustainable development during the 2020-2025 period. The Commendation Ceremony honored the active contributions of collectives and foreign NGOs to Vietnam’s sustainable development during 2020–2025. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) Accordingly, the Committee for Foreign NGO Affairs awarded Certificates of Merit to 23 collectives; while the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations awarded Certificates of Merit to 25 foreign NGOs and 4 foreign enterprises. This marks the first time that the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations has presented Certificates of Merit to recognize the contributions of foreign enterprises that have actively cooperated with foreign NGOs in Vietnam. Thu Phuong

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