On December 18, 2025, at the Conference on reviewing the National Program on foreign non-governmental aid mobilization and cooperation promotion in Dong Nai province for the 2019 – 2025 period (the Program), the People's Committee of Dong Nai province solemnly presented Certificates of Merit to 28 collectives and 16 individuals in recognition of their significant contributions to the Program's implementation.
The Conference was attended by Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and Vice Chairman of the Committee for Foreign Non-Governmental Organization Affairs; Mr. Vo Tan Duc, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee; Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee; together with representatives of nearly 100 foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs), FDI enterprises, foreign business associations, and provincial departments, agencies, mass organizations, universities, and colleges.
Representatives of international partners pose for a commemorative photo at the Conference reviewing the implementation of the National Program on Strengthening Cooperation and Mobilizing Foreign Non-Governmental Aid for the 2019–2025 period.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang emphasized that the Conference marked an important occasion to review the five-year journey and to express sincere appreciation to organizations, enterprises, and individuals, both domestic and international, that have accompanied the province. The honored collectives and individuals have made tangible contributions to improving people's livelihoods, strengthening friendship, and expanding international cooperation.
Despite global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturns, climate change, and strategic competition among major powers, Dong Nai has maintained effective cooperation and mobilization of foreign NGO assistance. With guidance from central authorities, support from the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, and the partnership of international organizations and FDI enterprises, the province has implemented numerous practical projects, contributing to socio-economic development and the consolidation of friendship ties.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Committee, presents Certificates of Merit to individuals with outstanding contributions to the implementation of the Program.
During the 2019–2025 period, Dong Nai cooperated with 202 foreign NGOs and donors, implementing 215 projects with total committed funding of nearly USD 19.2 million, of which more than USD 10.6 million has been disbursed. Binh Phuoc province - now merged with Dong Nai province - also recorded 62 NGO engagements with total aid exceeding USD 7 million. Projects focused on healthcare, education, social protection, gender equality, support for vulnerable groups, and environmental improvement, directly benefiting tens of thousands of people, particularly children, women, persons with disabilities, and ethnic minorities.
In recognition of its achievements, Dong Nai province was honored to represent 34 provinces and cities in delivering remarks at the 5th International Conference on Cooperation between Viet Nam and Foreign Non-Governmental Organizations, partners for prosperous and sustainable development, and was commended by the Committee for Foreign Non-Governmental Organization Affairs for its proactive efforts in expanding international cooperation and mobilizing social resources for sustainable development.
Mr. Vo Tan Duc, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, presents Certificates of Merit to foreign partners.
The Conference also received presentations and constructive discussions from foreign NGOs and delegates, reviewing cooperation outcomes during 2019 - 2025, sharing implementation experiences, and proposing practical measures to enhance the effectiveness of aid mobilization, reception, and utilization in the coming period. These insights provide an important foundation for Dong Nai province to further expand international cooperation and mobilize resources for socio-economic development.
A representative of Latter-day Saint Charities (United States) presents a symbolic sponsorship board for the project supporting the construction of 100 houses of friendship.
In his address, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hung highlighted four key achievements in Dong Nai's foreign NGO affairs:
First, Dong Nai province has established an open and transparent cooperation environment with clear inter-agency coordination mechanisms, extending beyond focal agencies to industrial park management boards, tax authorities, and media agencies. This synchronized engagement has streamlined administrative procedures and strengthened donor confidence. Regular annual dialogue conferences demonstrate the Province's spirit of openness and respect for partners.
Second, Dong Nai province has adopted a creative approach by linking foreign NGO mobilization with corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives of FDI enterprises and foreign associations. This innovative model has expanded funding sources and generated synergistic resources for community development.
Third, the Province has invested in human resource capacity-building through annual training programs, with guidance from central-level experts and cascade training for grassroots officials. This has resulted in a professional and knowledgeable team serving as a reliable bridge between the Province and international partners.
Fourth, Dong Nai's success stems from the close attention of provincial leaders and the dedication of people-to-people diplomacy officials, particularly the Provincial Union of Friendship Organizations. The harmonious combination of strict legal compliance and flexible support for partners has established Dong Nai's credibility and reputation among international friends.
Provincial leaders of Dong Nai pose for a commemorative photo with Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations.
Looking ahead to the 2026 - 2030 period, following administrative reorganization and expanded development space, the Province will face new challenges, particularly in remote and ethnic minority areas. To ensure that foreign NGO mobilization remains a highlight, several key orientations are identified:
On mindset: Shift decisively from an “aid-receiving" approach to a “partnership-based cooperation" model. Foreign NGO engagement should become a key pillar of people-to-people diplomacy, closely aligned with the Province's socio-economic development objectives, with long-term thematic and area-based programs rather than fragmented project-based approaches.
On priority areas: Align with global trends while responding to local realities, prioritizing green development, digital transformation, and high-quality human resource training. As an industrial hub, the Province should also prioritize projects supporting workers, migrant laborers, and their children.
On implementation:
– Further refine inter-agency coordination mechanisms, ensuring clear focal points and responsibilities at all levels.
– Promote digital transformation in project management, monitoring, and evaluation; develop comprehensive databases on partners, donors, projects, and priority sectors.
– Integrate foreign NGO affairs with broader people-to-people diplomacy, investment promotion, and economic diplomacy efforts.
– Effectively leverage networks of FDI enterprises and foreign business associations, promoting the “NGO–Enterprise–Locality" cooperation model.
A representative of Holt International Children’s Services (United States) presents a symbolic sponsorship board for the project “Care for Disadvantaged Children” in Dong Nai Province for the 2025–2030 period.
At the Conference, several foreign NGOs, FDI enterprises, and foreign associations also pledged continued cooperation, presenting symbolic sponsorship boards with total committed funding exceeding VND 20 billion for projects in the upcoming period.
The commendation of 28 collectives and 16 individuals represents not only well-deserved recognition but also a strong motivation for continued partnership in the new phase. It conveys a clear message of appreciation and encouragement for humanitarian values in international cooperation, contributing to the sustainable development of Dong Nai province and Viet Nam as a whole.
Delegates attend the Conference reviewing the implementation of the National Program on foreign non-governmental aid mobilization and cooperation promotion in Dong Nai province for the 2019 – 2025 period