The Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations (VFUA) always focuses on building high standards of organization, humanism and strong will to continue to work locally, nationally and internationally to the fullest extent possible in promoting issues and themes related to UNESCO ideals, especially in strengthening national development and international cooperation.

That's the remark of Georgios Christophides, Honorary President of the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations (WFUCA), Honorary Consul of Vietnam in Cyprus, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the VFUA.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu speaks at the opening session of the 217th session of the UNESCO Executive Board on October 9. (Photo: UNESCO)

"Although recent global events have created unexpected and unpredictable situations and caused many difficulties for the WFUCA movement, we still hope to continue our mission of national development and international cooperation. The advancement of technology and social media needs to be leveraged to bring about positive results and strengthen international communication and cooperation," Georgios Christophides told The Hanoi Times.

The VFUA's recent International Conference on "The Contribution Role of UNESCO Associations to National Development and International Cooperation" marks an important milestone in the VFUA's journey of continuous growth and development.

This international conference took stock and evaluated the 30-year journey of building and developing the VFUA in order to draw lessons, experiences and directions for the next stage of development of the VFUA and its movement in Vietnam.

Speaking at the conference, diplomat and journalist Nguyen Xuan Thang, President of the VFUA, said that with persistent efforts, the VFUA has continuously grown and matured in all aspects.

"Through a relatively large network, VFUA has mobilized the masses to contribute to the goal of national development and the realization of UNESCO's noble criteria and ideals for world peace and sustainable development," Thang affirmed.

Yuji Suzuki, former President of the World Union of UNESCO Associations, currently Secretary-General of the Asia-Pacific UNESCO Union and Director-General of the Japan UNESCO Union, also expressed his pleasure at the achievements of the VFUA in its 30 years of development.

"This is an opportunity to encourage and encourage the mass movement to support UNESCO criteria and activities, contributing to the development of the country and the common goals of humanity," said Yuji Suzuki.

The Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations was established on August 3, 1993 by the Prime Minister of Vietnam upon the recommendation of the Director General of UNESCO.

From a pioneer UNESCO club with a small number of members, after 30 years of establishment, the Federation has developed a network of more than 130 member organizations and more than 14,000 members across the country.

The mission of the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations is to implement people-to-people diplomacy and cultural diplomacy programs, promote the dissemination of goals and objectives. The program of activities related to the specialized fields under UNESCO's jurisdiction are education, science, culture, and information and communication, thereby contributing to increasing people's knowledge, developing the country, and enhancing understanding, friendship and cooperation among peoples, for the cause of safeguarding world peace.

Over the past 30 years, the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations has received many prestigious awards from the Party and the State.