Promoting the Critical Role of People-to-People Diplomacy

​(News Portal – Dong Nai) - The Dong Nai Union of Friendship Organizations (the Union) has established partnerships with 60 foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs), foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises, and international associations. Compared to five years ago, the number of NGOs, FDI enterprises, and international associations working with the Union has doubled. 

The increase in partnerships has resulted in a growing number of international cooperation programs being implemented across the province. 

Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, Mr. Phan Anh Son, presenting a commemorative banner and flowers to the Dong Nai Union of Friendship Organizations on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. 

Attracting Resources Through People-to-People Diplomacy

Since 2020, the Union has collaborated with various provincial departments and sectors to advise the Provincial People's Committee on receiving 106 delegations, including individuals, foreign NGOs, companies, funds, and associations. These efforts have resulted in the implementation of 120 programs, projects, and non-project grants with a total committed funding value of approximately 385.6 billion VND, an increase of over 174 billion VND compared to the previous term.

The projects focus on four main areas: education, addressing social and economic development issues, healthcare, and natural resources and environmental protection. This support has significantly contributed to Dong Nai's social welfare efforts, improving the lives of disadvantaged households, particularly ethnic minorities, residents in remote areas, persons with disabilities, and underprivileged children, enabling them to attend school.

According to Union President Nguyen Thanh Tri, the province places great importance on people-to-people diplomacy, including cooperation with foreign NGOs. To streamline administrative procedures for receiving and implementing foreign NGO projects and to create favorable conditions for NGOs and donors, the Provincial People's Committee issued Decision No. 12/2023/QĐ-UBND on March 31, 2023, which outlines regulations on managing and utilizing non-refundable aid that is not part of official development assistance (ODA) from foreign entities in Dong Nai.

In implementing these projects, the Union ensures that 100% of funding is directed toward project and non-project activities. Notably, all funding acceptance processes adhere to three key criteria: non-political, non-religious, and non-profit.

Diversifying People-to-People Diplomacy Activities

Together with Party diplomacy and State diplomacy, people-to-people diplomacy is one of the three pillars of Vietnam's diplomatic strategy. In performing its duties, the Union focuses on diversifying people-to-people diplomacy activities and maintaining relationships with representatives of diplomatic organizations from various countries.

According to Mr. Phan Anh Son, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, Dong Nai is among the few localities that effectively organize and maintain people-to-people diplomacy platforms for individuals of all ages. These platforms serve as an effective way to integrate people-to-people diplomacy into the community.

For instance, annually, Dong Nai organizes traditional New Year celebrations such as Bunpimay (Laos) and Chol Chnam Thmay (Cambodia), providing opportunities for youth from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to engage in cultural exchanges and celebrate together.

Additionally, cultural exchange programs, study abroad information sessions, and cultural exploration activities are regularly organized by the Union and its member friendship associations for students, parents, and educators. These programs often feature direct participation from ambassadors and embassy officials. Events such as foreign language speaking contests and drawing competitions organized by member friendship associations include not only Vietnamese judges but also foreign teachers and embassy representatives.

In 2024, the Union will launch the second "Understanding People-to-People Diplomacy in Dong Nai" Competition. According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tri, the competition format will be continuously improved to suit changing conditions. For example, while the first competition required participants to answer questions on computers and submit essays, the 2024 competition will be conducted entirely online, allowing participants three login attempts to complete the test.

Regarding the Dong Nai Friendship Melodies Festival, after five iterations, the quality of performances and programs has become increasingly polished, creative, and cohesive. Member associations also organize friendship festivals tailored to their members' conditions. As a result, in recent years, outstanding performances from Dong Nai have consistently won top awards at the expanded Southeastern Friendship Melodies Festival (Zone 4).​

The Union has also coordinated with member friendship associations to organize nearly 100 political and people-to-people diplomacy events to commemorate diplomatic anniversaries, national days, major holidays, and significant annual cultural diplomacy events. These efforts have greatly increased public interest and engagement in people-to-people diplomacy activities.