The event had the attendance of representatives of the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, many socio-political organizations, mass organizations assigned by the Party and the State, member organizations of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, along with many experts, diplomats, and scholars.
It was chaired by the leader of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations.
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| Scientific conference titled "People-to-people Diplomacy in the Country's Stage of Development." (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
Innovation in people-to-people diplomacy - Urgent necessity driven by external and internal factors
In his opening remarks, Phan Anh Son, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, stated that as we enter 2025, the world faces significant challenges, particularly in global security and national sovereignty amid shifts in the international order.
Moreover, the rapid development of technology, including artificial intelligence, big data, and semiconductor chips, raises crucial questions about the role of countries in shaping future policies and the impact of AI on humanity's future. Global trade is also undergoing profound changes, with countries continuously adjusting policies and approaches, resulting in increased challenges for international cooperation.
Given the Party and State leaders' requirements and the intrinsic demands of those working in people-to-people diplomacy, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and its entire system must innovate in thinking, approach, content, and methods of operation in the coming period.
Diverse solutions to improve the effectiveness of people-to-people diplomacy
At the conference, delegates emphasized the need to strengthen coordination among the three pillars of foreign affairs, which are Party foreign affairs, State diplomacy, and people-to-people foreign affairs. In particular, people-to-people diplomacy needs to promote the role of "conscientious diplomacy," thereby contributing to the comprehensive strength of the national foreign policy strategy.
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| Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, former President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, spoke at the conference. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, former President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, proposed several solutions to improve the effectiveness of people-to-people diplomacy. She emphasized the need to perfect mechanisms and policies to clearly define the role of people-to-people diplomacy in the new situation. Together with that, she recommended continuing to innovate and perfect the system and organization of personnel working in foreign affairs from the central to local levels, ensuring that they meet current requirements and tasks.
Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga stressed the role of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations as a specialized force for people-to-people diplomacy and a member of the Fatherland Front. Besides the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, no other organization in this field possesses such extensive experience, a large network of international partners, and an increasingly professional staff, said she.
Sharing the same view, Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the Viet Nam - US Society, proposed to soon issue a new document on people-to-people diplomacy to update the orientation and mechanism suitable to the current context.
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| Senior Lieutenant General, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Thanh, Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, former Deputy Minister of Public Security, delivered a speech at the Workshop. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
Senior Lieutenant General, Associate Professor, and Dr. Nguyen Van Thanh, Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council and former Deputy Minister of Public Security suggested that the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations enhance research and strategic forecasting to advise high-level leaders on building effectively and effectively implementing people-to-people foreign policies and guidelines. He also recommended expanding the network of international people-to-people partners, especially those with whom Viet Nam has established high-level cooperative relations (comprehensive strategic partners, strategic partners, comprehensive partners), and those with strong scientific and technological potential, among others, to leverage their resources and promote technology transfer for the development of national industries. He stressed the importance of good performance in citizen protection and maximizing the contributions of overseas Vietnamese to national growth.
In concluding the workshop, President Phan Anh Son spoke highly of the speakers' insightful and open opinions. He affirmed that the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations would continue to gather, synthesize, and develop detailed reports based on their insights. The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations will research and filter opinions on specialized issues in each field to develop specific action plans, tailored for each region within the scope of people-to-people diplomacy activities.
Luyen Minh Hong, Deputy Director, Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs): Promoting people-to-people diplomacy in economic and trade cooperation People-to-people diplomacy should focus on three key areas: Creating a favorable environment: Promoting Viet Nam's development policies and guidelines, helping international political and social organizations understand correctly, thereby creating advantages in economic negotiations given that opinions from a third party are often regarded as highly objective. Attracting external resources: Connecting with non-governmental organizations and individual investors - those who play an increasingly important role in economic cooperation and can influence the host country's government. Grasping global trends: Closely watching the increasing influence of social organizations in trade and investment to proactively adapt to and take advantage of cooperation opportunities.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Phuoc Minh, Vice President of the Viet Nam- Morocco Friendship and Cooperation Association, former Director of the Institute for Africa and Middle East Studies (Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences): Promoting Viet Nam- Africa cooperation in education, health, and agriculture People-to-people diplomacy needs to be substantive, focusing on promoting Viet Nam-Africa cooperation in education, health, and agriculture - three key areas for sustainable development. Africa, though has two-thirds of the world's arable land, is still limited in productivity, technology, and healthcare. Viet Nam, with its experience and strengths in these areas, needs to proactively seize cooperation opportunities. Viet Nam should consider expanding training for African students, thereby creating quality human resources who will act as a bridge for cooperation. At the same time, Viet Nam can support the improvement of medical capacity in Africa through sharing experiences in preventive medicine and human resource training. In agriculture, technology transfer and technical assistance will help Africa effectively exploit land resources and improve productivity. Investing in human resources not only brings practical benefits but also contributes to building a team of "people-to-people diplomacy ambassadors", creating a solid foundation for the long-term and extensive development for Viet Nam - Africa relations.
Prof. Dr. Sc. Nguyen Dinh Duc, Chairman of the University Council of the University of Engineering and Technology, Viet Nam National University-Hanoi, Member of the Standing Committee of the Viet Nam - Russia Friendship Association: Scientists are "ambassadors" of people-to-people diplomacy in the era of technology In the current era, the development of high technology and engineering is an inevitable requirement. If Viet Nam seeks to rise, mastering these fields is a must. Research institutes, scientists, and universities are the core forces in this process. Beyond their professional contributions, scientists should also embrace their role as "ambassadors" of people-to-people diplomacy, contributing to promoting international cooperation, spreading knowledge, and connecting Viet Nam with the world. At the same time, those engaged in people-to-people diplomacy need to focus on leveraging international people's cooperation in science and technology; mobilizing and creating favorable conditions for domestic scientists to actively participate in people-to-people diplomacy.
Nguyen Vinh Quang, Vice President of the Viet Nam - China Friendship Association: Promoting the effectiveness of propaganda on Viet Nam - China relations The Ho Chi Minh factor in Viet Nam-China relations holds profound significance as an enduring bridge of friendship between the peoples of both countries, a valuable element that can be effectively utilized in propaganda to foster connections and understanding among the two nations' citizens.
Ambassador Nguyen Duc Hung, Vice President - General Secretary of the Viet Nam - Singapore Friendship Association: Top priorities of Viet Nam's people-to-people diplomacy from 2025 to 2030 From 2025 to 2030, Viet Nam's people-to-people diplomacy should focus on consolidating the nation's position, utilizing digital technology, enhancing soft power, promoting multilateral cooperation, and safeguarding national interests in the face of emerging challenges. In 2025, priority should be given to strengthening Viet Nam's position and image internationally through national branding and active participation in key forums such as ASEAN, APEC, the United Nations, and COP30, among others. Digital diplomacy should be promoted, social networks, AI, and big data should be well exploited to enhance the effectiveness of external communications, partnerships with major technology platforms need to be promoted to spread positive content about Viet Nam. We also need to promote economic diplomacy, promote the investment environment, attract high-quality FDI, support businesses to expand international markets. Promoting cultural diplomacy, cultural exchanges, education, tourism, and developing cultural industries are needed to enhance Viet Nam's soft power. It is necessary to support the Vietnamese community abroad, connect the young generation of Vietnamese origin, and attract overseas talents to contribute to the country.
Le Tuan Khanh, Vice President of the Viet Nam - Cambodia Friendship Association: Enhancing connections and supporting the Viet Nam-Cambodia Friendship Association to reinforce its role as a bridge To help the Viet Nam - Cambodia Friendship Association at all levels to well perform its role as a bridge of friendship between the people of Viet Nam and Cambodia, it is necessary to strengthen the connection, unity, synchronization and mutual support between those engaged in people-to-people diplomacy with Cambodia. In particular, people-to-people diplomacy activities need to target the younger generation, people in border areas and Vietnamese people in Cambodia. |
Source: Vietnamtimes
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