Local Friendship Associations Make Substantial Progress in 2024

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In his address at the conference, Nguyen Minh Luan, vice chairman of Ca Mau People's Committee, highlighted the crucial role of diplomacy, especially people-to-people exchanges, and the importance of synergy among different diplomatic pillars. He also stressed the need to strengthen and improve the effectiveness of people's diplomacy in the current context.

At the conference.

In his report at the conference, Tran Chi Dung, president of the Kien Giang Union of Friendship Organizations (Deputy Head of Group 5), stated that in 2024, Group 5 had achieved remarkable results in all areas, with positive developments. Peace, solidarity, and friendship activities have been expanded and diversified, fostering friendly and cooperative relations with people from other countries.

The group has focused on deepening cooperation with key partners, including neighboring countries and countries with comprehensive cooperative relations, and has maintained regular annual activities. Group 5 has always been proactive in connecting with embassies and consulates to organize people-to-people diplomacy events, attending meetings and conferences to exchange and update information on the status of cooperative relations.

In 2024, members of the group mobilized 181 aid packages with a total value of over VND288 billion (US$11.33 million). The aid packages focused on areas such as health, education, socio-economic development, environment, and addressing social issues. The programs, projects, and aid packages were implemented with a focus on urgent and practical issues.

At the conference, the Union of Friendship Organizations of provinces and cities in the group focused on discussing, sharing experiences, summarizing effective and creative practices.

Nguyen Ngoc Hung, vice president of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, delivered a directive speech at the conference.

Speaking at the conference, Nguyen Ngoc Hung, vice president of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), emphasized the crucial role of provincial and municipal friendship unions within the group. He said, "For the Central Union to be strong and for people-to-people diplomacy to be effective, strength must come from the member organizations."

Hung noted that in the past year, the unions in Group 5 had undertaken numerous dynamic and proactive activities, contributing significantly to the overall success of VUFO and people-to-people diplomacy efforts. He praised the achievements of 2024, where members of Group 5 hosted and participated in over 300 delegations, welcoming nearly 2,500 international guests.

Additionally, local friendship unions have prioritized mobilizing foreign non-governmental aid through innovative approaches. They have also actively implemented key directives, including Directive No. 12-CT/TW on strengthening the Party’s leadership and enhancing the effectiveness of people-to-people diplomacy in the new context, and Directive No. 38-CT/TW on continuing to innovate, enhance the role, and improve the quality and efficiency of VUFO’s activities in the new context.

However, Hung pointed out some areas for improvement. He observed that the performance of unions within the group remains uneven, with some unions organizing fewer independent activities or lacking innovation in their programs. He also noted inconsistencies in organizational structures and human resources, with limited participation by top leaders in major events.

Looking ahead, Hung urged Group 5 unions to align closely with VUFO's overall direction, foster regular information sharing within the cluster, and continuously innovate their activities. He emphasized the need to organize more independent initiatives that yield concrete results rather than merely participating in broader events. Additionally, he called for closer collaboration with local departments and agencies to address administrative obstacles impacting the mobilization of foreign non-governmental aid. Regular communication and coordination among the unions in the cluster, he stressed, will be vital for future success.

At the conference, delegates voted and proposed that the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations award the Emulation Flag to the Ca Mau Union of Friendship Organizations and present Certificates of Merit to the Tra Vinh and Kien Giang Union of Friendship Organizations. The conference also agreed that the Kien Giang Union of Friendship Organizations would assume the role of Group 5 Head in 2025.

Nguyen Minh Luan, vice chairman of the People's Committee of Ca Mau Province noted that the Ca Mau provincial government has consistently provided optimal support for people-to-people diplomacy to keep pace with integration efforts. Both overall foreign relations and people-to-people exchanges have significantly contributed to the province's success. Looking ahead, he expressed his hope that the Ca Mau Union of Friendship Organizations would adopt innovative approaches from other organizations within Group 5 and across the country, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of people's diplomacy in the province.

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