Overview of the conference.

The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) held the 5th Presidium Conference, for 2019 - 2024, on January 14.

The conference focuses on exchanging, discussing, and analyzing the experiences gained in the work, limitations measures to improve the quality and operational efficiency of VUFO in 2022 and beyond..

10 focus areas in 2022

At the conference, VUFO Vice President and General Secretary Phan Anh Son said that in 2021, despite the impact of the pandemic, VUFO had adjusted the method of conducting people-to-people diplomacy and achieved some outstanding results.

He said that in 2022, VUFO would make efforts in the following areas:

Firstly, continue to strictly carry out plans of the Politburo on key tasks to strengthen pandemic prevdntion and socio-economic development.

Second, strengthen peace, solidarity and friendship activities with neighboring countries Laos, Cambodia, China and ASEAN countries, and strategic partners; and improve efficiency for socio-economic development.

VUFO organizes activities to celebrate the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and other countries and important anniversaries.

Third, increase participation in important multilateral cooperation platforms such as the United Nations, the ASEAN People's Forum 2022, and the Mekong sub-region; continue to study and join other multilateral cooperation bodies.

Vice President - General Secretary of VUFO Phan Anh Son spoke at the conference.

Fourth, protect national interests on sovereignty over sea and islands, and focus on overcoming consequences of war, Agent Orange, landmines, natural disasters, pandemic prevention, democracy, and human rights in diplomacy.

Fifth, carry out the work plan and organize the mid-term review of the national program on strengthening cooperation and mobilizing foreign non-governmental aid for 2019 - 2025.

Sixth, communicate the results of the 13th Party Congress, Vietnam's diplomacy, achievements in national construction, overcoming the pandemic, economic recovery and socio-economic development of the country; the Bien Dong Sea situation and Vietnam's sovereignty over sea and islands.

Seventh, improve the quality of research and consulting work; implement plans to organize conferences, seminars, reports/research topics with reference value on outstanding issues.

Eighth, coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in training officers; strengthen training for members of Unions of Friendship Organizations.

Ninth, continue develop the system of member organizations towards efficiency; coordinate with agenciesto replace Directive 04-CT/TW of the Party on people-to-people diplomacy.

Tenth, follow Ho Chi Minh's thought, and solve problems among officials and employees.

Implement peace education programs

Dr. Uong Chu Luu, chairman of the Vietnam Peace Committee, said that despite the pandemic, VUFO had maintained activities, achieving outstanding results.

Member organizations in VUFO have also conducted many activities, flexibly adapting to new conditions, especially in solidarity, friendship and cooperation.

Dr. Uong Chu Luu, chairman of the Vietnam Peace Committee spoke at the conference.

Chairman of the Vietnam Peace Committee said that in 2022 Vietnam would host the World Peace Council meeting. He expressed his wish that VUFO would cooperate with the Vietnam Peace Committee to organize the meeting.

“The World Peace Council has supported Vietnam in the past resistance wars as well as in the current defense and construction of the country. The Council considers Vietnam as a reliable place for peace movements, democracy and human rights issues,” said Dr. Uong Chu Luu.

Effectiveness

Nguyen Thi Hoang Van, deputy head of the Party Central Committee's Commission for External Relations said that in 2021, VUFO achieved many positive results.

This shows VUFO's flexibility in adapting to new situations, reflected in the innovation in operation and adjustment in focus.

She said the achievements reflect the Union’s efforts to adapt to the new situation.

“People-to-people diplomacy is a vast field. Many organizations and individuals participate in this field with rich content and forms. VUFO needs to prioritize key tasks, ensuring efficiency," she said.

VUFO needs to determine a method that is suitable with capacity, but also in line with the trend of the times, improving staff capacity."

Nguyen Thi Hoang Van, deputy head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu said he appreciated VUFO's achievements in 2021, especially in security, socio-economic development, and introducing Vietnam to the world.

“Contributions of people's diplomacy in disseminating information on sea and islands is an outstanding achievement with more than 4,000 news articles. This is an impressive number, making an important contribution to the defense of the country's sovereignty," he said.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu spoke at the conference.

Innovation

Speaking at the closing of the conference, VUFO President Nguyen Phuong Nga said that VUFO's reputation was enhanced.

In 2022, VUFO will continue to innovate strongly in both thinking and action to strengthen and expand the network of friends and partners, and improve the quality and efficiency of the work.

VUFO President Nguyen Phuong Nga spoke at the conference.

President Nguyen Phuong Nga said that VUFO would raise awareness of the importance of people-to-people diplomacy, and strongly innovate to improve work efficiency in accordance with the direction of the General Secretary

She said VUFO would take advantage of the country's new potential and position, overcome difficulties and challenges and turn "risk" into "opportunity".

The Union creates a favorable social foundation for strengthening foreign relations, and coordinating and supporting the Party and State's diplomacy.

The Presidium presented flags to the Union members in Dong Nai, Phu Tho, Hanoi for outstanding achievements in 2021.

The Presidium presented flags to the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association, the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association, the Peace and Development Fund.

The Presidium awarded certificates of merit to units with outstanding achievements in 2021.

At the conference, the Presidium presente flags and certificates of merit to collectives and individuals that have achieved excellent results in 2021.

Activities Planned to Celebrate Vietnam-Belarus 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties Cooperations in education and culture will be promoted in 2022 to mark 30 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Belarus.

Vietnam, Belarus to Expand Collaboration in All Fields Vietnam and Belarus agreed on many measures to bolster bilateral cooperation in all fields.

Vinh Phuc Friendship Union Finds Balance Between Quality and Quantity The Union of Friendship Organizations of Vinh Phuc province focuses on the quality not just the quantity of its activities