The journey of "Continuing the Story of Peace"

NDO - On April 30th, aboard the Peace Ship at Ha Long International Cruise Port (Quang Ninh), the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), in collaboration with the Peace Ship Organization and two Nobel Peace Prize-winning organizations - the Nihon Hidankyo Federation and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) - organized a cultural exchange program with the theme "Continuing the Story of Peace".

The event was attended by representatives of the organizations that received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024 and 2017, as well as peace experts from countries in the region.

This is an opportunity for everyone to reflect on history and its lessons for the future, and a pledge of unity, building bridges of friendship, enhancing understanding, and striving to ensure lasting peace.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), emphasized the historical significance of the event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the reunification of the country (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025). This serves as a reminder of the resilient history of the Vietnamese people and an expression of gratitude for the valuable support from international friends.

Vietnam is increasingly asserting its position as a reliable and responsible member of the international community. Maintaining peace is a shared responsibility of all humanity, requiring solidarity, listening, and action from all nations. Vietnam has been actively contributing to nuclear disarmament, standing alongside Hibakusha (survivors of atomic bombs) towards a nuclear-free world .

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), delivered a speech at the exchange program.

Through people-to-people exchanges, cultural activities, dialogues, and initiatives such as collecting signatures in support of the Hibakusha Call, VUFO strives to connect communities, inspire, and foster understanding. VUFO has collaborated with partners in Japan such as the Nihon Hidankyo Foundation; the Japanese Council Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs (Gensuikyo); and the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association in addressing the consequences of war, raising awareness of the value of peace, and the importance of international solidarity in peacebuilding.

Mr. Yoshioka Tatsuya, co-founder and CEO of the Peace Boat organization, said that both Vietnam and Japan have experienced and understand the pain of war. This event is an opportunity for both sides to share perspectives and work towards a peaceful and nuclear-free world.

Ms. Kuramori Terumi, a survivor of the Nagasaki atomic bombing, shared: "Having experienced nuclear war, I understand the losses, pain, and consequences it causes. I wish and share Vietnam's hopes that there will be no more war in the world, and that everyone will live together in peace."

At the event, the VUFO Youth Union gave a presentation introducing Vietnam. The presentation reviewed important milestones in the history of the struggle for national independence and the process of renovation, development, and international integration; and also shared information about Vietnam's independent, self-reliant, peaceful, cooperative, and developmental foreign policy.

Through the performance of traditional costumes and the introduction of local specialties, the VUFO youth union members gave delegates from the Peace Ship a visual glimpse into Vietnamese culture.

Representatives of the VUFO Youth Union gave a presentation introducing Vietnam.

As part of the program, an exchange titled "Continuing the Story of Peace" took place with the participation of Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, former President of VUFO and former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam; Ms. Kuramori Terumi, a survivor of the Nagasaki bombing disaster and representative of the Nihon Hidankyo Federation; Mr. Kawasaki Akira, President of ICAN; and Mr. Lee Jae Young, Executive Director of NARPI.

The speakers shared diverse perspectives and viewpoints on peace, lessons learned from their work for peace, and the promotion of global understanding and cooperation; they also conveyed a message of solidarity and continued efforts to preserve peace to the younger generation.

Speakers shared diverse perspectives and viewpoints at the cultural exchange program.

Earlier that morning, the expert delegates visited and experienced the local culture in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.

Peace Boat is an international non-governmental organization based in Japan, working to promote peace, human rights, and sustainable development. Peace Boat's first voyage began in 1983. The 2025 voyage, departing from Yokohama, Japan, will be Peace Boat's 120th voyage, with Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, being its fourth destination. During this voyage, Peace Boat plans to implement a special project commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, themed "Time for Peace."

Source: https://nhandan.vn/hanh-trinh-viet-tiep-cau-chuyen-hoa-binh-post876615.html