Foreign NGO representatives made their commitments at a two-day conference that ended in Hanoi on November 29.

The aid will be used to develop programmes and projects suitable with Vietnam’s priorities, increase the capacity of partner agencies and project beneficiaries, and replicate successful tripartite cooperation model (a foreign NGO-a Vietnamese agency-people) across the country.

NGOs committed to introducing the international community to Vietnam’s successful projects and its needs, and providing them accurate information about the country.

The Vietnamese side vowed to create the best possible conditions for foreign NGOs to operate and will work to ensure NGO aid is used and managed effectively and transparently.

Delegates shared the view that despite its significant socio-economic development achievements and its transformation into a middle-income nation, Vietnam still needs international support to address development challenges, overcome the aftermath of war, adjust to climate change, prevent epidemics, and protect the environment.

More than 900 delegates heard reports on 10 years of cooperation between Vietnam and foreign NGOs, future orientations for this relationship, Vietnamese foreign policy, socio-economic development, and foreign NGO project evaluations.

ChildFund Chief Representative Deborah Leaver used the closing ceremony to read back the conference’s Declaration committing Vietnam and foreign NGOs to sustainable cooperation based on mutual understanding, respect, solidarity, and friendship.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc emphasised Vietnam’s appreciation for past, present, and future foreign NGO support.

He expressed confidence in the ongoing evolution of their relationship in a manner advancing poverty reduction and sustainable development and—as the conference Declaration asserts—ultimately promoting international peace, cooperation, and prosperity.

Participants praised Vietnam’s policy responses to economic inequality, social issues, and employment.

Vietnam has followed through on the commitments it made at the last conference in 2003, creating a favourable legal environment, cultivating a skilled workforce, and monitoring how foreign NGO aid is deployed.

Vietnam has effective, equitable, and trustworthy partnerships with a wide range of foreign NGOs. These partnerships have benefited Vietnamese individuals, communities, and businesses, raised Vietnam’s international profile, and broadened its diplomatic outlook.