People-to-people Diplomacy Proactively Promotes Role in the Country's New Development Stage

Luyen Minh Hong, Deputy Director, Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs):

Promoting people-to-people diplomacy in economic and trade cooperation

People-to-people diplomacy should focus on three key areas:

Creating a favorable environment: Promoting Vietnam's development policies and guidelines, helping international political and social organizations understand correctly, thereby creating advantages in economic negotiations given that opinions from a third party are often regarded as highly objective.

Attracting external resources: Connecting with non-governmental organizations and individual investors - those who play an increasingly important role in economic cooperation and can influence the host country's government.

Grasping global trends: Closely watching the increasing influence of social organizations in trade and investment to proactively adapt to and take advantage of cooperation opportunities.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Phuoc Minh, Vice President of the Vietnam - Morocco Friendship and Cooperation Association, former Director of the Institute for Africa and Middle East Studies (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences):

Promoting Vietnam - Africa cooperation in education, health, and agriculture

People-to-people diplomacy needs to be substantive, focusing on promoting Vietnam-Africa cooperation in education, health, and agriculture - three key areas for sustainable development.

Africa, though has two-thirds of the world's arable land, is still limited in productivity, technology, and healthcare. Vietnam, with its experience and strengths in these areas, needs to proactively seize cooperation opportunities.

Vietnam should consider expanding training for African students, thereby creating quality human resources who will act as a bridge for cooperation. At the same time, Vietnam can support the improvement of medical capacity in Africa through sharing experiences in preventive medicine and human resource training. In agriculture, technology transfer and technical assistance will help Africa effectively exploit land resources and improve productivity.

Investing in human resources not only brings practical benefits but also contributes to building a team of "people-to-people diplomacy ambassadors", creating a solid foundation for the long-term and extensive development for Vietnam - Africa relations.

Prof. Dr. Sc. Nguyen Dinh Duc, Chairman of the University Council of the University of Engineering and Technology, Vietnam National University-Hanoi, Member of the Standing Committee of the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association:

Scientists are "ambassadors" of people-to-people diplomacy in the era of technology

In the current era, the development of high technology and engineering is an inevitable requirement. If Vietnam seeks to rise, mastering these fields is a must.

Research institutes, scientists, and universities are the core forces in this process. Beyond their professional contributions, scientists should also embrace their role as "ambassadors" of people-to-people diplomacy, contributing to promoting international cooperation, spreading knowledge, and connecting Vietnam with the world. At the same time, those engaged in people-to-people diplomacy need to focus on leveraging international people's cooperation in science and technology; mobilizing and creating favorable conditions for domestic scientists to actively participate in people-to-people diplomacy.

Nguyen Vinh Quang, Vice President of the Vietnam - China Friendship Association:

Promoting the effectiveness of propaganda on Vietnam - China relations

The Ho Chi Minh factor in Vietnam-China relations holds profound significance as an enduring bridge of friendship between the peoples of both countries, a valuable element that can be effectively utilized in propaganda to foster connections and understanding among the two nations' citizens.

Ambassador Nguyen Duc Hung, Vice President - General Secretary of the Vietnam - Singapore Friendship Association:

Top priorities of Vietnam's people-to-people diplomacy from 2025 to 2030

From 2025 to 2030, Vietnam's people-to-people diplomacy should focus on consolidating the nation's position, utilizing digital technology, enhancing soft power, promoting multilateral cooperation, and safeguarding national interests in the face of emerging challenges. In 2025, priority should be given to strengthening Vietnam's position and image internationally through national branding and active participation in key forums such as ASEAN, APEC, the United Nations, and COP30, among others. Digital diplomacy should be promoted, social networks, AI, and big data should be well exploited to enhance the effectiveness of external communications, partnerships with major technology platforms need to be promoted to spread positive content about Vietnam. We also need to promote economic diplomacy, promote the investment environment, attract high-quality FDI, support businesses to expand international markets. Promoting cultural diplomacy, cultural exchanges, education, tourism, and developing cultural industries are needed to enhance Vietnam's soft power. It is necessary to support the Vietnamese community abroad, connect the young generation of Vietnamese origin, and attract overseas talents to contribute to the country.

Le Tuan Khanh, Vice President of the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association:

Enhancing connections and supporting the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association to reinforce its role as a bridge

To help the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association at all levels to well perform its role as a bridge of friendship between the people of Vietnam and Cambodia, it is necessary to strengthen the connection, unity, synchronization and mutual support between those engaged in people-to-people diplomacy with Cambodia. In particular, people-to-people diplomacy activities need to target the younger generation, people in border areas and Vietnamese people in Cambodia.