Preserving and Promoting 75 Years of Tradition: Responsibility and Pride of Young Generation of Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations

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Pham My Le, Secretary of the Youth Union of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations.

- Could you share your fundamental views on people-to-people diplomacy?

Pham My Le: I still remember my early days working at the VUFO, full of unfamiliarity, worries, and many things I did not yet know, but also filled with passion and excitement. At that time, my understanding of people-to-people diplomacy came only from what I had learned in books and from the stories told by the generations who came before us. During wartime, it was a story of “using great righteousness to triumph over cruelty, and compassion to replace violence,” a just cause held high to build an international united front and rally progressive people around the world to understand and support Viet Nam’s struggle for national independence.

After three years of working at VUFO, having the chance to engage more deeply with the profession, receiving training, guidance, and companionship from VUFO’s leadership and the leaders of its member organizations, and receiving support, cooperation, and advice from senior colleagues, I have come to understand more profoundly that people-to-people diplomacy is a matter of heart-to-heart connection, of sincerity, of faith in humanity, and in the power of friendship among peoples around the world.

Through practical experience, I have realized that our proud tradition and the achievements of people-to-people diplomacy are built from very simple things: a sincere heart, a thoughtful reception for international friends, a well-prepared and meticulous diplomatic activity, or sometimes just an explanation or exchange of information about Viet Nam, its land and its people.

Pham My Le (sixth from the right) attends the ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ASEAN Peoples’ Forum 2023 in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 01-03 September 2023.

- In your view, how is the young generation of VUFO being trained today?

Pham My Le: At VUFO, we feel fortunate not only to be trained in political acumen, professional knowledge, and the spirit of “matching words with actions,” but also to learn how to conduct ourselves, how to preserve sincerity and compassion, and how to behave with respect and consideration - qualities we believe are core values that form the identity of people-to-people diplomacy officers in the new era.

I have always valued a very distinctive aspect of the leadership’s approach to training officials at VUFO, which is “training through practice, building capacity through challenging tasks.” Over the years, we have been entrusted with difficult assignments such as participating in the preparation of content and logistics for high-level visits and meetings; organizing protocol for international activities; participating in and delivering speeches at regional and global people’s forums; or chairing political and thematic meetings. Each task has been a valuable opportunity for young officials like us to learn the profession, learn professional ethics, and learn the spirit of responsibility not only from books but from the exemplary conduct, working methods, and dedication of our leaders.

Pham My Le (far right) attends the World Conference against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs in Hiroshima, Japan, from 02-06 August 2025.

- What goals and principles have you set for yourself in your current work?

Pham My Le: Living in a world that is changing rapidly each day, with many challenges and opportunities, I am more aware of the responsibilities of young people: we must continue learning, strengthen our resolve, broaden our thinking, dare to innovate, dare to take on challenges, and always maintain humility and kindness in everything we do. To go far, enthusiasm alone is not enough; we must have knowledge, discipline, integrity, professional ethics, and a willingness to shoulder responsibilities and contribute to the development of people-to-people diplomacy in particular and the country in general.

Three years ago, during my remarks at the ceremony announcing my appointment to VUFO, I shared four words: “Gratitude - Learning - People - Faith.” Today, as I attend the Ceremony celebrating the 75th Anniversary of VUFO’s Traditional Day, with the same ideals and passion as on my first day, I understand that I have chosen the right place to grow and contribute. For me, this is a moment for the young generation to better understand our proud tradition, to express gratitude, and to remind ourselves to learn, cultivate ourselves, work hard, and devote ourselves in a way worthy of the legacy built by previous generations.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the generations of leaders and officials of VUFO - those who have tirelessly dedicated their efforts so that I and other young officials can take pride in the 75-year glorious tradition of our sector, continue to nurture our faith and aspirations for the future, and confidently move forward on the path we have chosen. I hope that VUFO will continue to advance firmly on its new journey with many achievements.

- Thank you very much!

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