On October 6, the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations held a 2026 Conference on People-to-People Diplomacy to review its activities and discuss measures to improve the effectiveness of people-to-people diplomacy and cooperation with foreign non-governmental organizations.

Addressing the conference, Ha Thanh, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations, said that in the coming period, the Union would continue to strengthen its role as a connector, expand its international friendship network and mobilize resources from foreign non-governmental organizations to support the city's sustainable development. It will also enhance coordination among municipal departments, agencies, organizations and relevant partners to improve the effectiveness of people-to-people diplomacy.

The 2026 Conference on People-to-People Diplomacy. (Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations)

According to a report presented at the conference, in 2026, Ho Chi Minh City had 117 foreign non-governmental organizations registered to operate, an increase of five organizations compared with 2025. These organizations focus their support on areas including healthcare, education, social protection, community development and the environment.

As of September 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee had approved 30 aid packages with a total committed value of more than VND 302.4 billion. The aid was allocated to programs and projects related to healthcare, education and training, support for children and people with disabilities, assistance for disadvantaged groups, community development and environmental protection.

The aid packages are received, managed and used in accordance with regulations and for their approved purposes and activities. According to assessments at the conference, these resources help support vulnerable groups while reducing pressure on the city's social welfare budget.

The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations has worked with more than 30 foreign non-governmental organizations and 40 Vietnamese partners to seek cooperation opportunities, expand programs and projects, and address difficulties arising during implementation.

The conference also provided updates on regulations governing the management and use of non-refundable aid that is not classified as official development assistance, including the Government's Decree No. 313/2025/ND-CP on the management and use of non-refundable aid not classified as official development assistance provided by foreign agencies, organizations and individuals to Viet Nam. Participants also discussed and received guidance on cooperation with foreign non-governmental organizations and international organizations.

In the coming period, the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations called on municipal departments and agencies to strengthen coordination and integrate people-to-people diplomacy into their respective international cooperation programs and activities. This would help expand connections among people, intellectual resources and international resources in support of the city's development goals.

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