Phan Anh Son, vice president, general secretary of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations spoke at the conference. Photo: Thu Ha

From 2021 to June 2023, there are 421 foreign NGOs operating regularly in Vietnam with an average total aid Disbursement of US$228.3 million a year.

Phan Anh Son, vice president, and general secretary of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) mentioned the positive results of foreign non-governmental work at the 2023 National Conference on People-to-people Diplomacy taking place on July 19 in Binh Dinh.

According to Phan Anh Son, the aid focuses on a number of priority areas and issues of Vietnam such as health care, socio-economic development, solving social problems, education and training, and climate change.

The organizations follow the law, and contribute to poverty reduction and sustainable development in Vietnam.

VUFO is the focal agency for foreign non-governmental aid relations and advocacy, presiding over the implementation of the National Program 2019-2025.

VUFO promotes foreign non-governmental aid mobilization in association with political advocacy, and comprehensive implementation at central and local levels. The Union diversified the target audience for aid mobilization and renewed its form to suit the new situation.

The Union also strengthens the connection of organizations, supported locally to organize 17 promotion conferences, mobilized aid, and implemented a number of large advocacy aid programs.

These include support programs to respond to and overcome the consequences of Covid-19 (by the end of 2021) worth nearly US$17 million (excluding some non-exchangeable goods and equipment), and support programs for some difficult provinces such as Cao Bang and Dien Bien.

That contributes to teaching foreign security and order in the activities of non-governmental organizations in Vietnam, including Decree 58/2022/ND-CP dated August 31, 2022, on registration and management of activities of foreign non-governmental organizations in Vietnam.

Local Union of Friendship Organizations plays an increasingly important role when working with local departments, agencies and sectors in supporting foreign NGOs to implement projects in the locality.

They work and discuss with organizations on agreements, Advising/city leaders on plans to strengthen cooperation and mobilize foreign non-governmental aid in the area.

Friendship organizations connect and support foreign non-governmental agencies, participate in projects and plans to mobilize resources for local socialization in various fields such as building infrastructure, awarding scholarships to orphans, responding to climate change, supporting medical examination and treatment.

Foreign NGOs contribute to poverty reduction and sustainable development in Vietnam. Photo: ChildFund Vietnam

Besides foreign NGO work, VUFO's activities also achieve many important achievements.

VUFO participates in high-level external activities. In 2021 - 2023, leaders of VUFO, leaders of member organizations participate in 13 high-level delegations of Party and State leaders to visit countries.

Within the framework of the working groups, VUFO participates in many official foreign affairs activities, advised the Party and State leaders to contact VUFO's partners.

The Union organized many peace, friendship and cooperation activities, presented Party, State and VUFO rewards to friends and partners, and signed six cooperation agreements, memos of understanding and letters of intent with partners.

"The participation of VUFO and its member organizations shows the interest and trust of the Party and State leaders in the contributions of people-to-people diplomacy and VUFO.

It is also an effective implementation of the Party's 13th National Party's foreign policy," said Phan Anh Son.

Through multi-national people-to-people diplomacy activities, VUFO contributes to promoting and protecting national interests.

The Union conveyed a message about the development and achievements of the Doi Moi (renewal proess) and socialist construction in Vietnam.

VUFO helped enhance the position, role and image of Vietnam and Vietnamese people's organizations, and contributed to the struggle of the world's people for peace, stability, social progress and sustainable development.

Information, and advocacy work for overseas Vietnamese is comprehensively implemented by VUFO and its member organizations at central and local levels.

Through activities, VUFO contacted and listened to the thoughts and aspirations of the overseas Vietnamese community on current domestic issues, guidelines and policies of the Party and State.

The Union also advises and encourages our compatriots abroad to activities towards their homeland, join and support VUFO's friends and international partners in activities and events of peace and solidarity with Vietnam.

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