(VNF) - During 2016, the Vietnam Peace and Development Foundation (VPDF) has made great strides in promoting people-to-people diplomacy, implementing activities for peace and strengthening international solidarity.

Mme. Nguyen Thi Binh, former Vice-President of Vietnam, Chairwoman of VPDF, made the remark at the VPDF’s year-end meeting in Hanoi on December 27^th to review its activities in 2016 and devise orientations for the upcoming year.

Mme. Nguyen Thi Binh, former Vice-President of Vietnam, VPDF Chairwoman speaks at the meeting.

In 2016, the foundation has reinforced its organization, activities, and increased membership to obtain the consensus and assistance of friends around the world in the cause of national construction, reunification, and defence.

The VPDF effectively organized many activities to promote peace, solidarity, friendship and cooperation among countries; focusing on research for education, climate change, sustainable development, peace and human rights.

The Foundation took advantage of favourable international conditions to support national construction and continuously raise Vietnam’s international status. It coordinated with the Vietnamese people’s organisations and actively engaged in activities within the framework of the ASEAN People’s Forum and the Asia-Europe People’s Forum; as well as maintained and improved VPDF’s image and role at the multilateral forums.

The Foundation’s efforts have also actively contributed to the world people’s movements for peace, independence, democracy and social progress. Therefore, the prestige and status of the Foundation are taken seriously and constantly being strengthened at the multilateral regional and international forums.

Overview of the year-end meeting on December 27^th.

In 2017, the VPDF Council has decided to further expand activities and persify partnerships, with enhanced information and research work and active participation in national, regional and international events.

The VPDF will strengthen its cooperation with traditional partners and expand cooperation with others, effectively participate in people’s forums, increase communications to raise public awareness about peace and related issues.

Of research topics, attention would be given to the fourth Industrial Revolution; reforms in general education and training in Vietnam; climate change, agriculture, other issues related to the global crises, and their impacts on Vietnam, etc.; sustained publication of external information through maintaining and improving the quality of the Foundation's website.

Delegates at the meeting also approved the orientations and tasks for the VPDF’s activities in 2017.

Addressing the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Van Huynh, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Peace Committee (VPC) highlighted the discussion about domestic and foreign affairs in 2016 and forecasting the movement of the upcoming year.

Mr. Nguyen Van Huynh, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Peace Committee speaks at the meeting.

2016 was the first year Vietnam implementing the Resolution of the 12th Party Congress with many opportunities and challenges ahead. After 30 years of reform, Vietnam has made great achievements in economic development, culture, society. However, many difficulties and challenges remain; Vietnam should continue to innovate and assurance sustainable development.

In her closing speech, Chairwoman Binh hailed the VPDF’s contributions to protecting national interests and sovereignty, thus improving the position of Vietnam in the international arena.

She also asked the committee to work closely with Party and State diplomatic agencies to promote its activities among people from all walks of life./.

Translated by Minh Phuong