Mobilizing Foreign Non-Governmental Aid: From Connecting Resources to Co-creating Value

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From mobilizing resources to jointly designing value

Nearly 1,400 houses have been built from more than VND 90 billion mobilized from foreign non-governmental aid under the program “Joining hands to eliminate temporary and dilapidated housing nationwide in 2025.”

According to Do Thi Kim Dung, Deputy Director of PACCOM, the program demonstrates a shift in approach - from isolated appeals to coordinated, well-oriented mobilization with commitments from multiple organizations. Beyond addressing housing needs, each house helps residents stabilize their lives, gradually improve their livelihoods, and move forward.

Do Thi Kim Dung, Deputy Director of PACCOM, at the Conference reviewing emulation and commendation work in 2025 of the bloc of socio-political organizations and affiliated unions, April 4, 2026. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

This approach has been expanded to multiple sectors. In implementing the Politburo’s policy on investing in the construction of inter-level boarding general education schools (primary and lower secondary levels) in 248 land border communes, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations has mobilized international organizations to support the goal of building/equipping 50 libraries, while also sponsoring and providing living allowances for approximately 2,000-5,000 students during the 2026-2028 period. In emergency assistance activities, VND 270 billion has been mobilized to support 21 localities in overcoming the consequences of natural disasters.

In 2025, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations mobilized approximately USD 190.8 million through nearly 2,000 programs and projects, with the participation of 379 foreign non-governmental organizations regularly operating in Viet Nam. Assistance from these organizations focused on social security, education, livelihood development, and emergency relief.

Do Thi Kim Dung noted that the mobilization approach has undergone a fundamental transformation: PACCOM not only “connects to obtain aid” but also “connects to co-create value.”

First, mobilization efforts have shifted from “seeking resources” to “jointly designing value.” Stakeholders are involved from the outset in identifying needs, setting priorities, and designing programs, ensuring that resources are no longer dispersed but directly aligned with major national goals and practical local needs.

Delegates attend the Fifth International Conference on Cooperation between Viet Nam and Foreign Non-Governmental Organizations - Partners for Prosperity and Sustainable Development, held in December 2025 in Hanoi. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Second, cooperation has evolved from “assistance” to “partnership,” with all parties participating, jointly making decisions, and sharing responsibility throughout the implementation process. This enhances commitment and lays the foundation for long-term cooperation. At the Fifth International Conference on Cooperation between Viet Nam and Foreign Non-Governmental Organizations - Partners for Prosperity and Sustainable Development, held in December 2025, organizations jointly developed content, co-facilitated discussions, and collectively identified cooperation priorities, thereby improving the quality of dialogue and generating substantive commitments.

In addition, PACCOM maintains regular information-sharing mechanisms, strengthens dialogue, promptly provides updates on guidelines and policies, and proactively addresses emerging obstacles. This approach helps build trust and establish a solid foundation for long-term cooperation.

Towards greater effectiveness and sustainable value creation

From practical implementation, aid mobilization activities are shifting from addressing immediate needs to creating long-term development value, with people at the center. Rather than stopping at assistance, programs are increasingly focused on building foundations that enable people to stabilize their lives, enhance self-reliance, and gradually achieve sustainable progress.

Samaritan’s Purse provided support to residents affected by floods and storms in Da Nang, November 2025. (Photo: KT)

Programs supporting housing, livelihood development linked to climate change adaptation, and improvements to learning environments for children in disadvantaged areas reflect a more substantive approach. Aid is no longer limited to meeting urgent needs but is becoming a resource that promotes long-term development, generating sustainable value and wider community impact.

Explaining these outcomes, Do Thi Kim Dung noted that three key factors have been instrumental: sound direction, innovative thinking, and decisive implementation. Timely guidance from the leadership of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations has enabled PACCOM to proactively innovate its approach; a shift in mindset has facilitated the transition from administrative management and support to accompaniment and co-creation; and the internal efforts, proactiveness, and solidarity within PACCOM have been decisive factors.

In the time ahead, PACCOM will continue transitioning from a connector role to proactively guiding aid flows in line with national strategic priorities and the practical needs of each locality. The “accompanying - co-creation” approach will be further strengthened, with substantive participation from all stakeholders from the stages of needs identification and program design to implementation and evaluation of programs and projects.

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