The Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO) reviewed its achievements in 2024 and outlined its strategy for 2025 at a conference held on January 17. The year 2024 witnessed HUFO's successful organization of numerous major people-to-people diplomatic events, affirming Vietnam's position as a great, potential, and promising destination.

Nguyen Ngoc Ky, Chairman of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, describes 2024 as a pivotal year for advancing Hanoi’s people-to-people diplomacy. Photo: Tung Lam

Regarding outstanding achievements in 2024, HUFO Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Ky described the year as a pivotal period for advancing Hanoi's people-to-people diplomacy. Several multinational cultural exchange events were organized, promoting friendship and mutual understanding while enhancing Hanoi's international standing. Among these cultural events, the commemoration of the 45th Anniversary of the Southwest Border War Victory stood out. Events in support of Cambodia included tributes to veteran volunteers and experts, as well as scholarships for Cambodian students, which received acclaim from high-ranking officials.

Truong Minh Tien, Chairman of the UNESCO Hanoi Association, commends HUFO's achievements. Photo: Tung Lam

HUFO successfully organized various programs, including The Welcoming 2024 International Art Exchange, The Friendship Spring Tour, and Traditional Asian New Year celebrations, all of which enriched cultural understanding. A landmark success of 2024 was the Hanoi Lotus Festival, which attracted international participants and reinforced Hanoi's cultural leadership. Sports diplomacy events like the Friendship Tennis Tournament and the Bicycle Ride for the Environment helped strengthen ties with expatriate communities.

Delegates attending the event. Photo: Tung Lam

Truong Minh Tien, Chairman of the UNESCO Hanoi Association, emphasized the organization's commitment to preserving Hanoi's cultural heritage and fostering international exchanges. Key initiatives included the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, the 25th anniversary of Hanoi's recognition as a City for Peace by UNESCO, and cultural events such as the ASEAN Cultural Colors Festival and the Peace and Friendship Melodies Festival.

The Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam, Saadi Salama, highly appreciates the role of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations in carrying out the tasks of people-to-people diplomacy. Photo: Tung Lam

Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam, Saadi Salama, praised HUFO's dedication to people-to-people diplomacy, emphasizing its collaboration with embassies and international organizations. He further stressed the importance of understanding diverse cultural customs to organize impactful exchanges that enhance Vietnam's global image.

Delegates pose for a souvenir photo. Photo: Hanoi City Friendship Association

For the 2025 Agenda, HUFO has identified several key objectives, including strengthening research, strategic forecasting, and advisory capabilities; expanding the network of international partnerships; and enhancing the impact of people-to-people diplomacy through collaboration with various departments, sectors, and localities. The Union also emphasized the importance of promoting self-reliance and creativity and upholding the values of sincerity, respect and effectiveness in international relations.

The Presidium of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations hands over the Emulation Flag to the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations. Photo: Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations.

This year, HUFO plans to organize several major events, such as the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South, the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the 1015th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi, and various international cultural exchange festivals. Foreign communication will be intensified through multilingual media channels and bilingual publications.