VUFO’s friendship medals presented to IGE’s three active members

Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Bui Khac Son presented the “Certificated of Commendation” to the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE) and the “Medal for Peace and Friendship among Nations” to three most active members of IGE during a ceremony in Hanoi on June 27^th.

The VUFO’s most noble distinctions were granted to Ambassador Robert Seiple, Founder and the first President of IGE; Dr. Chris Seiple, former IGE Chairman and Honorary Chairman and Vu Thi Mai Hien, Vietnam Program Manager.

VUFO Vice President Bui Khac Son at the ceremony. (Photos: MP)

Speaking at the event, Son hailed the IGE as one of the close partners of the Vietnam-U.S. Society (VUS) and thanked the IGE and inpiduals for contributing to the friendship between the Vietnamese and U.S. people.

“These awards of the VUFO for you in order to acknowledge and honor the great efforts and contribution of the Institute for Global Engagement and inpiduals of the organisation in fostering mutual understanding, enhancing friendship and cooperation between the people of Vietnam and the United States of America,” he said.

He expressed his belief that the IGE will further grow and ties between the IGE and the VUS, and other Vietnamese partners will see new progress.

Founded in 2000, IGE has been a non-governmental organisation (NGO) working to build environment for conflict resolutions and religious liberty around the world. In 2005, IGE began to work with the VUS as a bridge to connect agencies, organizations of Viet Nam to agencies of the United States including, the Department of State, the National Security Council, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), academies, media organisations, and churches etc…IGE also participated in hearings in the U.S. Congress that has helped the American politicians further understand about the religious freedom policy in Vietnam.

In 2006, VUS and IGE signed the first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Hanoi, then in 2012 for the term of 2012-2017 in Hanoi, and the latest one in December 2017 in Washington, D.C.. This time has witnessed the most positive period between VUS and IGE, Programs of IGE are always innovative and go conferences and certificate training, the Roundtable discussion on Protestant development in Viet Nam, Conflict Resolutions Skills training, Workshop on the positive Role of Religion in society, workshop on providing feedback on the religion law draft, training on the Religious Freedom Policy implementation, ect.

With all these great programs, IGE plays a significant role in enhancing bilateral relations between Vietnam and the United States, contributing to promotion of understanding about religious freedom policy and activities between the two countries, Son added.

VUFO Vice President Bui Khac Son presents the “Certificated of Commendation” to the IGE’s representatives: IGE Chairman James Chen; Dr. Chris Seiple and Vu Thi Mai Hien.

Robert Seiple, for his part, attributed the thriving Vietnam – U.S. ties to mutual understanding between the people of the two countries.

As an U.S. NGOs, the IGE was founded in 2000 with a view to developing the environment for dealing with conflicts and promoting religious freedom worldwide. In 2005, the IGE began partnering with the VUS as a bridge linking Vietnamese and U.S. organisations together.

With many years of working in Vietnam, Robert Seiple has gained an insight into Vietnamese history and culture. He has cherished many social development projects with a hope of bringing a better life to the Vietnamese people. His special sentiment to Vietnam has been passed down to his son Chris Seiple, who later did the same mission in Vietnam.

Chris Seiple, on his position as IGE Chairman for many years, raised many initiatives on freedom of religions and belief. He also helped strengthen mutual understanding between local authorities, religion officers and religious followers in Vietnam.

Previously living and studying in the U.S., Hien has worked for the IGE since 2007. With insightful understanding of Vietnamese society and people, she has made important contributions to connecting the IGE with Vietnamese partners./.

Hien Trinh