From December 3 to 5, the DUFO delegation held working sessions with the Unions of Friendship Organizations of Phu Tho and Lao Cai provinces. During these meetings, leaders from all sides agreed that mobilizing foreign non-governmental organization (NGO) aid is not merely about fundraising; it serves as a bridge of friendship, directly contributing to sustainable development and local social security.
Despite their different geographical and economic characteristics, Dong Nai, Phu Tho, and Lao Cai share a common focus: identifying the coordination and mobilization of foreign NGO aid as a vital component of people-to-people diplomacy.
All three provinces have achieved impressive results in resource mobilization. They were recently honored by the Committee for Foreign NGO Affairs at the 5th International Conference on Cooperation between Vietnam and Foreign NGOs for their active contributions during the 2019–2025 period.
In Phu Tho on December 3, the two Friendship Unions discussed in depth the creation of aid mobilization portfolios that closely align with the actual needs of people in remote and disadvantaged areas. Phu Tho is a highlight in maintaining strong partnerships with international organizations, particularly in health and education.
Delegates of the two Unions of Friendship Organizations during the working session.
In Lao Cai on December 5, discussions centered on mobilizing aid for livelihood development and climate change adaptation. As a border province, Lao Cai shared valuable experiences in project management linked to population stabilization and sustainable poverty reduction.
The Dong Nai Union of Friendship Organizations delegation takes a souvenir photos with the Lao Cai Union of Friendship Organizations.
The Dong Nai delegation also shared its "Proactive - Flexible - Creative - Effective" model. This approach connects foreign NGOs with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) enterprises within the province, leveraging Dong Nai's unique strength as a leading industrial hub.
"These exchanges not only help us learn professional processes from one another but also open up opportunities for regional coordination in larger-scale projects," said Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tri, President of DUFO and head of the delegation.
Presidents of the Dong Nai and Phu Tho Unions of Friendship Organizations exchange views during the working session.
Through the working trip, the provincial Unions also reviewed challenges amid the volatile global situation. They proposed several solutions for future resource mobilization, including: Shifting mindsets: transitioning from a "grant-seeking" approach to a "partnership for development" model. Transparency: ensuring aid is used for the right purposes to build absolute trust with donors. Digital transformation: applying technology to manage records and streamline aid information connectivity.
The visit not only strengthened the solidarity between local Unions of Friendship Organizations but also reaffirmed the role of people-to-people diplomacy in mobilizing international resources to serve national development goals for a prosperous and happy community.
Đo Hue