"For Peace and Friendship among Nations" Medal Awarded to Chilean Ambassador to Vietnam Sergio Narea
	Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Discuss Coordination Mechanisms Amidst New Context and Developments

The conference aimed to widely and promptly share information on the outcomes of the first half of 2025 and the key tasks for the second half of the year. It also served to update participants on the restructuring and organizational streamlining of VUFO, thereby reinforcing coordination between the Union and its central-level member organizations and supporting them in effectively fulfilling their duties in the upcoming period.

At the conference, Vice President Nguyen Ngoc Hung presented an overview of VUFO’s performance in the first six months of 2025 and highlighted the priorities for the remaining months. In addition, representatives of specialized departments provided detailed updates on the activities of various friendship associations according to their respective regions of responsibility.

The Conference on information sharing with Central member organizations, hosted by VUFO (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Delegates discussed seven key issues:

First, completing the existing partner database, identifying new partners, and expediting the development of technological infrastructure to facilitate access and partnership expansion from the perspective of association leadership.

Second, maintaining regular meetings, supporting associations in drafting and issuing regulations and plans, and ensuring the participation of association leaders in welcoming and bidding farewell to ambassadors and attending relevant events.

Third, strengthening collaboration between specialized departments and associations in respective localities to jointly implement activities.

Fourth, reviewing and rationalizing executive boards and standing committees to avoid formality and ensure active, effective participation.

Fifth, contributing ideas to help VUFO coordinate with the Vietnam Fatherland Front to develop strategic orientations for people-to-people diplomacy that align with the new context.

Sixth, improving the qualities, competencies, skills, knowledge, and experience of officials; developing training processes and curricula, particularly for leaders and managers.

Seventh, finalizing the restructuring of associations following administrative mergers, selecting appropriate leaders, and submitting recommendations to provincial leaders and local friendship associations to foster attention and consensus.

Nguyen Thi Thu Giang, Director General of the Europe Department under VUFO, presents a report at the conference. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Delegates commended the organization of the Conference, considering it a practical forum that enables member organizations to promptly access information, gain clear orientation, and foster new motivation and thinking for their activities. Many attendees proposed reviewing and updating key documents such as Directive No. 12-CT/TW (2022) and Decision No. 118-QD/TW (2023) to ensure alignment between the assigned tasks and the voluntary nature of the associations, thereby creating a more flexible mechanism for proactive operation and resource mobilization.

Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, President of the Vietnam-US Society, speaks at the Conference. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Delegates emphasized that partnership expansion should go beyond traditional friends to include partners with shared or complementary interests. They also advocated tapping into domestic resources, including enterprises, scientists, the foreign community, and international students in Vietnam. Some suggested strengthening coordination with parliamentary friendship groups, establishing mechanisms for financial support, and issuing official letters to local authorities to encourage the development of grassroots-level friendship networks.

In his concluding remarks, VUFO President Phan Anh Son acknowledged that many member organizations had carried out meaningful and impactful activities. Despite some difficulties in organizing congresses, obstacles had been effectively addressed. VUFO will continue to improve its organizational structure and support associations in overcoming challenges and enhancing performance.

He candidly pointed out existing shortcomings: many associations still face difficulties in terms of funding, administrative procedures, staffing, and leadership participation. Some associations have conducted very few activities or almost none. He emphasized the importance of selecting responsible personnel based on suitability and commitment, not merely titles. VUFO’s leadership is determined to overcome these limitations and prevent prolonged stagnation.

Regarding the expansion of partnerships and resource mobilization, he affirmed VUFO’s support for initiatives to broaden geographic engagement, strengthen collaboration with localities, and encourage business representatives to join the executive boards of associations to boost resources. He also noted that VUFO is coordinating with parliamentary friendship groups to prepare for exchange activities following the upcoming National Assembly elections.

According to the VUFO President, following the recent restructuring, VUFO has become one of the 26 Party organizations under the Party Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and Central Mass Organizations, with its role, function, and tasks reinforced and elevated. VUFO will continue to thoroughly implement the Resolution of the Presidium Conference held on January 9, 2025, which emphasizes the development of Party organizations as a foundation for fulfilling political duties.

He further stated that VUFO’s leadership would continue to work directly with associations, listen to their feedback, and promptly address difficulties. From now until the end of the year, efforts will be made to overcome existing challenges so that the entire system can more effectively fulfill its shared mission.

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