Strengthening the organization, expanding partnerships, improving the effectiveness of the entire system of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations

On July 18 in Hanoi, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations held a conference to share information with member organizations at the central level. President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son and Vice Presidents Dong Huy Cuong and Nguyen Ngoc Hung chaired the conference, with the participation of leaders and officials of departments and units under the Standing Agency and representatives of member organizations at the central level.

The conference aims to widely and promptly share information on the results of the first 6 months of 2025 and the key tasks for the last 6 months of the year; at the same time, update the situation of the arrangement and consolidation of the organizational structure of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations , thereby strengthening the coordination between the Union and member organizations at the Central level, supporting organizations to better perform their tasks in the coming period.

At the Conference, delegates listened to Vice President Nguyen Ngoc Hung report on the overview of the work results in the first 6 months of the year and the focus for the last 6 months of 2025 of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations; at the same time, listened to representatives of specialized departments provide detailed information on the activities of associations in each area of responsibility.

Information sharing conference with member organizations at the Central level organized by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Delegates discussed 7 groups of issues:

First of all, partnership work: completing existing databases, searching for new partners, and soon completing technological infrastructure so that association leaders can exploit and expand partnerships from the perspective of association leaders.

The second group of issues relates to maintaining regular meetings, supporting associations in drafting and promulgating regulations and plans, and ensuring that association leaders attend welcoming and farewell activities for ambassadors and related events.

Third, strengthen coordination between professional boards and local associations to monitor and accompany the implementation of activities.

Fourth, review and streamline the executive committee and standing committee, and overcome the situation of formality, large lists but few people participating in substance.

Fifth, contribute ideas so that the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations can preside over and coordinate with the Vietnam Fatherland Front to build a strategic orientation for people's foreign affairs suitable to the new context.

Sixth, improve the quality, capacity, skills, knowledge and experience of staff; develop training processes and curriculum, especially for leaders and managers.

Finally, perfect the association's organization after merging administrative units, select suitable leadership personnel and send recommendations to provincial leaders and the Union of local friendship organizations to create interest and consensus.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Giang, Head of the European Department (Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations) reported at the Conference. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Delegates highly appreciated the organization of the Conference, considering it a practical forum to help member organizations promptly grasp information, provide clear orientation, create motivation and new thinking for activities. Many opinions proposed reviewing and updating documents such as Directive 12-CT/TW (2022), Decision 118-QD/TW (2023) to ensure consistency between the nature of assigned tasks and the voluntary nature of the association, thereby creating a more flexible mechanism to proactively operate and mobilize resources. Delegates emphasized that expanding partnerships should not only stop at traditional friends but also aim at partners who can share and intertwine interests; at the same time, exploit domestic resources from businesses, scientists , foreign communities and international students in Vietnam. There are suggestions to strengthen coordination with the National Assembly's friendship parliamentary groups, have a mechanism for financial support and send official dispatches requesting localities to pay attention to developing the association network at the grassroots level.

Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, President of the Vietnam - US Society, spoke at the Conference. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Concluding the conference, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son acknowledged that many member organizations have implemented practical activities with positive highlights; the organization of congresses of some associations, although facing difficulties, has been resolved. The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations continues to improve the organization, support associations to overcome difficulties, and improve operational efficiency.

He frankly pointed out the problems: many associations still have difficulties in terms of funding, procedures, personnel, and leadership participation; some activities are very few or almost non-existent. He emphasized that the selection of cadres must be appropriate, have a sense of responsibility, and not depend on their titles; the leadership of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations must persistently overcome limitations and not let stagnation continue.

Regarding expanding relations and mobilizing resources, he said that the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations supports initiatives to expand areas, strengthen coordination with localities, encourage businesses to participate in executive boards of associations to increase resources; and is coordinating with friendship parliamentary groups of the National Assembly to prepare for exchange activities after the next National Assembly election.

Ambassador Nguyen Duc Hung, Vice President - General Secretary of the Vietnam - Singapore Friendship Association, spoke at the Conference. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

According to Mr. Phan Anh Son, after the reorganization, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations became one of 26 Party Committees directly under the Party Committee of the Fatherland Front and Central organizations; its roles, functions and tasks were consolidated and enhanced. The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations continued to thoroughly grasp the Resolution of the Presidium Conference on January 9, 2025, which emphasized building the Party organization as the foundation for carrying out political tasks.

He added that the leaders of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations will continue to work directly with associations, listen to comments, and promptly resolve difficulties; from now until the end of the year, efforts will be made to overcome existing problems and obstacles so that the entire system can better fulfill its common tasks.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/cung-co-to-chuc-mo-rong-doi-tac-nang-cao-hieu-qua-toan-he-thong-lien-hiep-cac-to-chuc-huu-nghi-viet-nam-214920.html