Full text of Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh's speech at the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports

On the morning of October 16, the opening ceremony of the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports took place in Hanoi. Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh attended and delivered a speech. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's Electronic Information Portal respectfully sends readers the full text of Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh's speech.

- Dear Ministers, Heads of Delegations of ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, and distinguished delegates and guests;

- Mr. San Lwin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN;

- Ladies and gentlemen, Dear Conference!

Today, in the capital city of Hanoi, a thousand years of culture, a city for peace , I am very pleased to attend the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports, with the theme "Orientation of sports for sustainable development." This is an important event to promote cooperation, exchange of policies and actions in the field of sports among ASEAN member countries.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh speaks at the conference

On behalf of the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, I would like to send my warmest greetings and best wishes to the Ministers, distinguished delegates from ASEAN countries, Timor-Leste, ASEAN partners and the ASEAN Secretariat!

Dear delegates!

Throughout human history, there are values ​​that transcend all barriers, boundaries, races, religions and politics. One of those values ​​is sports. Sports unites beliefs and aspirations, where each person is challenged, overcomes their own limits and shares the joy of victory.

Sports not only train physical strength, but also cultivate will, personality, dedication, discipline and fairness. At the national level, sports is soft power; at the regional level, sports is the thread that connects nations through understanding, respect and cooperation.

When an ASEAN athlete wins in an international arena, it is not only the victory of a country, but also the pride of the entire ASEAN Community united by friendship, spirit and will of independence and self-reliance.

Throughout the journey of formation and development of ASEAN, sports have become a bridge of friendship, solidarity and development. From SEA Games, ASEAN Para Games to sports exchange programs, all have contributed to connecting the hearts of ASEAN people, nurturing the spirit of "One Vision - One Identity - One Community".

Dear delegates!

The world and the region are undergoing rapid and complex changes, putting ASEAN in front of many risks and challenges, including those related to peace, stability, security, order and development. The above situation requires ASEAN to make greater efforts to maintain solidarity, promote cooperation and firmly consolidate the foundations for friendly relations among members. Accordingly, cooperation in youth and sports has always been an important pillar to strengthen trust, enhance exchanges and understanding, promote sustainable development, and work towards the common goal of a cohesive, creative and people-oriented ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

I am pleased to note that in 2025, under the theme of Inclusiveness and Sustainability, ASEAN continues to give high priority to enhancing cooperation between youth and sports, and has achieved important results. Many youth and sports exchange activities have been organized, contributing to strengthening solidarity and cohesion among peoples of the countries as well as laying the foundation for the development of a sports ecosystem in the region. At the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit, ASEAN Leaders are expected to adopt the Declaration on the Use of Sports to Prevent Violent Extremism, affirming the important role of sports in contributing to maintaining peace, inclusiveness and sustainability in the region.

The 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports today will build on the successes of previous meetings, opening a new phase of cooperation with a long-term vision - for a healthy, dynamic, inclusive and sustainable ASEAN.

Dear delegates!

Vietnam's consistent viewpoint: Taking people as the center, subject, goal, resource, and driving force of development. Vietnam's strategy for physical training and sports development to 2030, with a vision to 2045, identifies: Building a sustainable and professional physical training and sports foundation. All people have access to and enjoy physical training and sports services; voluntarily practice to improve health, fitness, and quality of life.

Over the past 30 years, we have built many cooperation mechanisms with ASEAN countries, in which sports cooperation has always been a close, practical field and one of the fields with the most far-reaching influence.

Dear delegates!

Vietnam is proud to host the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports, which we consider both an honor and a great responsibility, and an opportunity for Vietnam to make more practical contributions to shaping policies, strategies and development directions for regional sports in the coming time.

With the spirit of "Solidarity, cooperation, sustainable development", Vietnam hopes that this Conference will not only stop at exchanging experiences, but also discuss specific measures to implement the goals and priorities on sports and health development for people as stated in the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, thereby opening a new phase of cooperation, deeper, more effective and having a real impact on the lives and health of ASEAN people.

Dear delegates!

The theme of this Conference is: "Orientation of Sports for Sustainable Development" - reflecting ASEAN's progressive thinking and strategic vision, as well as responding to the theme of Inclusiveness and Sustainability of the ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2025. Sustainability is not only about economic development - but also about human development, community development, social development in harmony with nature; and sport - more than ever - is the way to realize that goal. I appreciate that and hope that the Conference will focus on discussing, sharing and agreeing on the following key orientations:

First, Sports for All: Promote comprehensive sports development for all ages and all subjects. Every ASEAN citizen has the opportunity to practice, compete and spread the sports spirit.

Second, Smart and Innovative Sports: Promote science, technology and innovation in sports training, competition and management, making ASEAN the sports innovation hub of Asia.

Third, Green, clean and sustainable sports: Developing green sports economy, sports associated with tourism, culture and creative industries, towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly growth model.

Fourth, strengthen international cooperation between ASEAN and partners to build a transparent and modern sports ecosystem.

Fifth, Preserve and promote the value of traditional sports so that sports are not only strength but also preserve the identity, pride and soul of each nation in ASEAN, of the entire ASEAN Community united in diversity and mutual respect.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Vietnam hopes that, through this Conference, we will together build a long-term vision for ASEAN sports, including the ASEAN Action Plan on Sports for the period 2026 - 2030, contributing to realizing the aspiration of "A strong, inclusive and sustainable ASEAN for all".

I believe that, with the spirit of solidarity, responsibility and common vision, this Conference will create a new milestone in the history of regional sports cooperation, affirming ASEAN's position as a dynamic, creative and vibrant community.

On behalf of the Government of Vietnam, I would like to thank ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste, ASEAN partners and the ASEAN Secretariat for their active cooperation and support to Vietnam in the field of sports over the past time. We look forward to receiving more effective cooperation and support and are ready to work together to continue writing success stories in sports, making positive contributions to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and around the world.

Wish the conference great success!

Thank you very much!

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/toan-van-phat-bieu-cua-pho-thu-tuong-mai-van-chinh-tai-hoi-nghi-bo-truong-asean-ve-the-thao-lan-thu-8-20251016104045972.htm