Conference on Meeting with Foreign Non-Governmental Organizations in Vietnam in 2025

Hội nghị Gặp gỡ các tổ chức phi chính phủ nước ngoài tại Việt Nam năm 2025

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Non-Governmental Organizations Ngo Le Van delivered the opening remarks at the conference.

The conference was a great success, with the participation of over 100 delegates from central and local ministries, departments, and agencies, along with representatives from nearly 60 foreign non- governmental organizations operating in Vietnam.

In his opening remarks at the Conference, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Non-Governmental Organizations Ngo Le Van emphasized that Vietnam has always valued and highly appreciated the effective contributions of the community of foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) over the past decades. Their practical support in terms of resources, experience, and international knowledge has significantly contributed to poverty reduction, socio-economic development, improving people's lives, and promoting sustainable development. In the context of many global difficulties and challenges, Vietnam wishes to continue strengthening cooperation and expanding connections with foreign NGOs, focusing on practical programs and projects that meet the priority needs of the country and localities.

The discussion session focused on "Orientation and assessment of the needs of localities for foreign non-governmental aid to address social issues in the new context".

During the two thematic discussion sessions, with the themes "Orientation and assessment of the needs for foreign non-governmental aid of localities to address social issues in the new context" and "Orientation and assessment of the needs for foreign non-governmental aid of localities to serve sustainable economic development in the new context," representatives from localities such as Cao Bang, Dong Nai, and Tuyen Quang frankly shared their urgent needs at the grassroots level, ranging from developing healthcare and education, improving the quality of human resources to supporting climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

All opinions emphasized the desire for foreign non-governmental organizations to closely cooperate with and assist localities in building sustainable development models, while also recommending that the central government continue to improve policy mechanisms and create a more favorable environment for mobilizing and receiving aid.

Representatives from foreign non-governmental organizations such as Medisch Comité Nederland – Vietnam (Netherlands), Norwegian People's Aid Vietnam (Norway), Save the Children International (UK), Worldwide Fund for Nature Vietnam (Switzerland), ICRAF Vietnam (Kenya), ActionAid Vietnam (Netherlands), and World Vision International (USA) expressed their appreciation for Vietnam's efforts in improving the cooperation environment and creating favorable conditions for aid and humanitarian projects.

The organizations also acknowledged the effectiveness of coordination with ministries, departments, and localities, and affirmed their commitment to continue accompanying Vietnam in many priority areas, while proposing many solutions to improve the effectiveness of foreign non-governmental organizations in the new phase.

The discussion session focused on "Orientation and assessment of the needs of localities for foreign non-governmental aid to serve sustainable economic development in the new context".

In his concluding remarks, Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van affirmed that the conference, with its in-depth content and high level of interaction, had become a forum for open and useful exchanges between central and local agencies and foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This is a new, creative, and practical approach that needs to be further promoted in the future to make foreign NGO activities a truly effective resource in implementing the four pillars of Vietnam's development resolutions, meeting the requirements of sustainable socio-economic development in localities in the new context.

The Deputy Minister also emphasized, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." Vietnam always hopes that the path of development ahead will always have the companionship of international friends.

The conference facilitated numerous side meetings and interactions, opening up new opportunities for cooperation between localities and foreign non-governmental organizations. This is an important starting point for continuing to nurture and write more success stories in the future.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Non-Governmental Organizations Ngo Le Van poses for a photo with delegates attending the conference.

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