Friendship
People-to-People Diplomacy: Change to Reach Further
Spring is always a season of new beginnings and hope. With a 75-year tradition as its foundation, under the leadership of the Party, the State, and the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, and with the determination of the entire system, Viet Nam’s people-to-people diplomacy possesses all the necessary conditions to undertake a strong transformation: changing to elevate capacity, changing to adapt, changing to proactively open new spaces for cooperation, and to reach further in its mission of connecting the people of Viet Nam with peoples around the world.
Focus
Outstanding Highlights of Viet Nam’s People-to-People Diplomacy in 2025
The year 2025 marked a dynamic and effective period for Viet Nam’s people-to-people diplomacy. Amid complex developments in the global and regional landscape, the activities of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) were implemented with clear innovations in mindset, approaches, content, and methods. These efforts contributed to expanding cooperation and spreading Viet Nam’s values of peace and humanity to the international community, affirming its role as a pillar of Viet Nam’s comprehensive and modern diplomacy.
Friendship
Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations: Spreading Values of Peace in Heart of Capital
The Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations has identified 2026 as a pivotal year to further enhance the effectiveness of people-to-people diplomacy, consolidate the foundation of peace, strengthen friendship exchanges, and expand international cooperation, thereby making practical contributions to the capital’s integration and sustainable development.
G4 Ambassadors to Vietnam Extend Greetings for the New Year of the Horse
Ahead of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse, Ambassadors Ambasadors of Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland (G4) to Vietnam extended their New Year’s greetings to the people of Vietnam through a video.
Promoting People-to-People Cooperation on the Occasion of the 55th Anniversary of Vietnam-Chile Relations
On February 10 in Hanoi, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son received Ambassador of Chile to Vietnam Nasly Isabel Bernal Prado, who paid a courtesy call upon assuming her post in Vietnam.
Seminar on “The Scientific Foundations of People-to-People Diplomacy in the World”
Within the framework of the national-level research project entitled “Studying people-to-people diplomacy in the world in the new context and proposing solutions for Vietnam,” the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations hosted a scientific seminar in Hanoi on February 11 under the theme “The scientific foundations of people-to-people diplomacy in the world.”
Vietnam-Canada Friendship Meeting: Advancing Comprehensive Cooperation through People-to-People Diplomacy
On February 9 in Hanoi, the Vietnam-Canada Friendship Get-together titled “Vietnam-Canada Comprehensive Partnership: A Way Forward” took place. The event was jointly organized by the Vietnam-Canada Friendship Association and the Canada-Vietnam Association with the aim of strengthening community connections, promoting multi-sectoral cooperation, and further deepening the friendship between the peoples of the two countries.
Seminar in Cuba Commemorates the 60th Anniversary of Fidel Castro’s Historic Statement on Vietnam
On February 5, a special seminar was held at the University of Havana (Cuba) to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the historic statement by Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro: “For Vietnam, Cuba is ready to shed even its own blood.” The seminar was jointly organized by the Embassy of Vietnam in Cuba, the Ho Chi Minh Vietnam Studies Department (University of Havana), the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), and the Cuba-Vietnam Friendship Association.
Ho Chi Minh City Promotes In-depth People-to-people Exchanges with Australia
The Vietnam - Australia Friendship Association Ho Chi Minh City defines the key orientation of future activities with people-to-people exchanges as the foundation; cultural, educational and tourism cooperation as the pillar; youth as the driving force and sustainable development as the core value.
Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations: Strong Renewal in New Stage of Development
On February 6 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) held a meeting with retired officials to celebrate the Spring of the Binh Ngo Year 2026. At the meeting, current and former leaders and officials of VUFO across different periods exchanged views, offered recommendations, and reaffirmed their determination to accompany and uphold the Union’s traditions in order to meet new requirements of people-to-people diplomacy.
Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Sends Message of Solidarity with the Cuban People
On February 2, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association issued a message expressing concern over the potential impacts on Cuba’s socio-economic situation arising from US tariff measures related to countries supplying oil to Cuba, while affirming their solidarity, support, and commitment to continue accompanying the Cuban people through people-to-people exchanges, humanitarian cooperation,...
Vietnam-Sri Lanka Friendship Association Extends Congratulations on 78th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence Day
On February 3 in Hanoi, a delegation of the Vietnam-Sri Lanka Friendship Association, led by its President Pham Van Linh, paid a visit to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Vietnam to extend congratulations on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (February 4, 1948 - February 4, 2026).
GNI Donates 388 Pairs of Shoes to Disadvantaged Students in Tuyen Quang
GNI has coordinated with Shingtak Group to implement the program “Steps of Love” at Hop Hoa kindergarten, primary and lower secondary schools in Tan Thanh commune, Tuyen Quang province.
Viet Nam-Cuba Solidarity Meeting Marks 67th Cuban National Day
The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations held a ceremony on January 29 to mark the 67th anniversary of the Victory of the Cuban Revolution (January 1, 1959 - January 1, 2026) and a solidarity meeting with Cuba, reaffirming the special, loyal and enduring friendship between the peoples of Viet Nam and Cuba.
Recognizing Contributions of Ambassador Marco Farani to Promoting Vietnam-Brazil Relations
During the tenure of Ambassador Marco Farani of Brazil to Vietnam, the frequency of high-level meetings and exchanges between the two countries increased markedly; Vietnam-Brazil relations were upgraded; and the quality of cooperation across various fields achieved new developments, becoming more in-depth and substantive. In recognition of these contributions, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) awarded the Medal “For Peace and Friendship among Nations” to the Ambassador on January 29 in Hanoi.
Vietnam-RoK Cultural Exchange 2026: Bridge Connecting People of Two Countries
On January 25 in Hanoi, the “Vietnam-RoK Cultural Exchange 2026” program was held to celebrate the successful conclusion of the 14th National Party Congress, the 10th National Buddhist Congress, and the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK).
Preserving and Strengthening Friendship Between Peoples of Viet Nam and India
The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO) solemnly commemorated the 77th anniversary of India’s Republic Day (26/01/1950-26/01/2026), demonstrating solidarity and affection between the people of Ho Chi Minh City and the people of India on the afternoon of January 24.
International Partners of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Send Congratulatory Messages on the 14th National Party Congress
On the occasion of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, many international partners of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) have sent congratulatory letters expressing their friendship, highly valuing Vietnam’s achievements, and conveying their confidence that the Congress will open up new development orientations for the country.
Recognizing Contributions of Two George School Teachers to Promoting Vietnam-US People-to-People Exchange
On January 21 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) held a ceremony to present the Medal “For Peace and Friendship Among Nations” to Croucher Benjamin James, Head of the Department of History and Social Sciences, and Salamoni Jr. Amedeo, Instructor of Ceramics and Sculpture and Director of the Anderson and Walton Gallery, George School (United States).
UNICEF to Continue Support Activities for Gia Lai in 2026
This information was shared by Michaela Bauer, Deputy Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Vietnam, at a working session with the Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee on the afternoon of January 20, 2026.
Dak Lak Women and APHEDA Promote Role of Female Elected Representatives
The Dak Lak Women’s Union, in coordination with the Australian People for Health, Education and Development Abroad (APHEDA), held a seminar titled “Promoting the Role of Female Elected Representatives” on January 20.
People-to-People Diplomacy: A Strong Bridge in Viet Nam-Cuba Ties
Dong Huy Cuong, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, on January 20 in Ha Noi received Joy Puentes Saldise, Deputy Head of Mission of Cuba to Viet Nam, on a farewell visit at the end of his term. The two sides highlighted the important role of people-to-people diplomacy in preserving and further developing the traditional friendship and special solidarity between Viet Nam and Cuba.
American Students Engage in Cultural and Historical Exchange in Vietnam
As part of a study and exchange visit to Vietnam from January 10 to 31, a delegation of 12 students and two teachers from George School (USA), led by Croucher Benjamin James, Head of the History Department, participated in a wide range of exchange activities, cultural and historical experiences, and charitable initiatives in various localities across Vietnam.
