The year 2025 marked a dynamic and effective period for Viet Nam's People-to-People Diplomacy. Amid complex and evolving regional and global developments, the activities of Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) were carried out with clear innovations in mindset, approach, content, and modalities. These efforts contributed to expanding cooperation and promoting Viet Nam's values of peace and humanity to the international community, reaffirming people-to-people diplomacy as a key pillar of Viet Nam's comprehensive and modern diplomacy.
Mr. Do Van Chien - Member of the Political Bureau, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front met with international friends to express gratitude on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd in Hanoi, September 2nd, 2025. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)
1. People-to-People Diplomacy Accompanying National Milestones
In 2025, VUFO welcomed numerous international friends to attend the celebrations of the 80th Anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2), and the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification.
On this occasion, Mr. Đỗ Văn Chiến, Member of the Politburo and President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, met with international friends in Hà Nội and Hồ Chí Minh City to express gratitude for their steadfast support during Viet Nam's struggles for national liberation and reunification, as well as in its national development process.
Through these commemorative activities, people-to-people diplomacy demonstrated Viet Nam's deep appreciation and loyalty to its international friends, while reaffirming the country's image as a peaceful, reliable partner and responsible member of the international community.
2. Reaffirming VUFO's Role in Viet Nam's Modern Diplomacy
On November 17, 2025, in Hà Nội, VUFO solemnly celebrated its 75th Anniversary and was awarded the First-Class Labor Order by the Party and State in recognition of its outstanding contributions.
On behalf of Party and State leaders, Ms. Bùi Thị Minh Hoài, Member of the Politburo and President of the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, presented the decoration and praised generations of officials engaged in people-to-people diplomacy for their dedication over the past 75 years.
VUFO President Phan Anh Sơn recalled the proud tradition of people-to-people diplomacy and expressed sincere gratitude to international friends, partners, veterans, peace-loving movements, and foreign NGOs that have consistently stood by Viet Nam.
3. A Symbol of Enduring International Solidarity: 65 Years of Viet Nam–Cuba Diplomatic Relations
On September 1, 2025, in Hà Nội, VUFO coordinated with ministries and agencies to commemorate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Cuba.
The ceremony was attended by President Lương Cường and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. Leaders of both sides reaffirmed the special solidarity and exemplary relationship between the two Parties, States, and peoples—a relationship symbolized by Cuba's historic pledge: “For Viet Nam, Cuba is willing to shed its own blood."
4. Strengthening Social Foundations: 30 Years of Viet Nam–United States Relations
In 2025, numerous people-to-people exchange activities were organized to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the United States.
During a meeting with American friends in New York on September 22, 2025, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week, President Lương Cường emphasized that people-to-people diplomacy constitutes an important pillar in Viet Nam–U.S. relations, serving as a strong social foundation and a bridge connecting “heart to heart."
VUFO and the Viet Nam–America Friendship Association organized eight commemorative activities across major cities, creating open platforms for dialogue among scholars, businesses, and alumni, thereby strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation, and Sustainable Development between the two countries.
5. Expanding Cooperation Space: The First Viet Nam–Russia People's Forum
In late September 2025, VUFO coordinated with Russian partners to organize the First Viet Nam–Russia People's Forum, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the Russian Federation.
The Forum gathered 250 delegates, focusing on cooperation in science and technology, education, healthcare, trade, culture, and local partnerships. It further concretized the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries through substantive people-to-people exchanges.
6. Deepening Viet Nam–China People-to-People Exchanges
The year 2025 marked 75 years of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and China and was designated as the Year of Viet Nam–China People-to-People Exchanges.
VUFO organized major activities during the State visit of General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, including meetings with alumni and friendly exchanges between the two peoples. The “Red Journey for Youth Study and Research" program was launched, highlighting the important role of younger generations in sustaining bilateral friendship.
7. Promoting Cooperation with Neighboring Countries
In line with traditional friendship and special solidarity with Laos and Cambodia, people-to-people diplomacy linked historical remembrance with substantive development cooperation.
Exchange programs between former Vietnamese experts in Laos and youth representatives were organized to promote intergenerational responsibility. Meanwhile, the Viet Nam–Cambodia Business Forum in Hồ Chí Minh City facilitated dialogue and resulted in new cooperation agreements, strengthening economic connectivity.
8. Mobilizing International Resources for Social Welfare
In 2025, amid complex natural disasters, VUFO—through PACCOM—mobilized over VND 205 billion in international aid to support disaster recovery and livelihood restoration.
In response to the Government's campaign to eliminate temporary and dilapidated housing, international partners committed to building 1,393 houses for disadvantaged households, demonstrating that people-to-people diplomacy contributes directly to national social welfare programs.
9. Strategic Partnership with Foreign NGOs: The 5th International Conference (IC5)
On December 4, 2025, in Hà Nội, VUFO co-organized the 5th International Conference on Cooperation between Viet Nam and Foreign Non-Governmental Organizations (IC5).
The conference gathered representatives from ministries, localities, diplomatic missions, and nearly 400 foreign NGOs. Discussions focused on social welfare, human resource development, green transition, climate change response, and sustainable development, reinforcing alignment between NGO activities and Viet Nam's socio-economic development priorities.
10. Spreading the Message of Peace: “Continuing the Story of Peace" Cultural Exchange
On April 30, 2025, when the Peace Boat docked at Hạ Long International Port, VUFO coordinated with the Viet Nam Peace Committee and Nobel Peace Prize–winning organizations such as ICAN to host the cultural exchange program “Continuing the Story of Peace."
The event conveyed a powerful message about the value of peace and highlighted Viet Nam's transformation from a war-torn nation into a country committed to peace, cooperation, and nuclear disarmament.
* From commemorative diplomacy to policy dialogue, from humanitarian mobilization to youth exchanges, 2025 demonstrated that Viet Nam's people-to-people diplomacy has evolved from fostering friendship to generating substantive cooperation.
Through innovation, strategic coordination, and strong international partnerships, people-to-people diplomacy continues to serve as a vital bridge—strengthening social foundations, enhancing mutual trust, and contributing to Viet Nam's comprehensive, modern diplomacy in the new era.