Bringing people-to-people diplomacy to residential areas

Tho Van Long, a student at Xuan Que Primary School (Xuan Que Commune, Dong Nai Province), is an avid football fan who looks up to figures in the sport.

Recently, thanks to connections facilitated by the Dong Nai Union of Friendship Organizations, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, Long had the chance to meet Park Hang-seo, former head coach of the Vietnamese national football team, at his own home for the first time, and even received a signed souvenir.

Coach Park Hang-seo interacts and takes souvenir photos with the Choro ethnic people in Xuan Que commune. Photo: Van Truyen

In recent times, the Dong Nai Union of Friendship Organizations, in coordination with departments, agencies, and localities, has focused on organizing people-to-people diplomatic activities right in villages, hamlets, and residential areas.

Interacting with the people

In 2025, alongside regular activities such as paying visits and extending congratulations on other countries' national days, and organizing celebrations marking the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and various nations, the Provincial Union of Friendship Organizations, together with 10 member friendship associations, coordinated with departments, agencies, and localities to carry out 37 people-to-people diplomacy events, with a focus on grassroots-level engagement to encourage public participation.

Specifically, the Vietnam-Korea Friendship Association of Dong Nai Province and Hyosung Dong Nai Co., Ltd. (Nhon Trach 5 Industrial Park), along with coach Park Hang-seo, had friendly exchanges with the people of Xuan Que commune. Subsequently, a delegation of youth from Gyeongnam Province (South Korea) visited and interacted with students of Ngo Quyen High School. The Les Enfants du Dragon (France) volunteer delegation had long-term friendly exchanges in Phu Hoa commune. Notably, during this process, the delegation participated in volunteer activities in the commune and supported the construction of a friendship house for an ethnic minority household.

In early September, American representatives from Latter-Day Saint Charities (LDSC, USA) visited Thanh Phu Secondary School to interact with teachers and students while meeting with residents in neighborhoods across Tan Trieu Ward to support computer rooms, provide televisions, and conduct surveys for funding the construction of permanent housing.

Numerous people-to-people diplomatic activities recently held at the grassroots level have helped foster a sense of closeness and conveyed the message that anyone can take part in people-to-people diplomacy, sharing positive images of their homeland with international friends and selectively embracing useful knowledge.

Coach Park Hang-seo said the delegation was warmly welcomed, with cheerful, friendly interactions and heartfelt affection. This endeavor left a strong impression on him and the delegation during their friendly exchange with the people of Xuan Que Commune.

Nguyen Van Trung, a student at Thanh Phu Secondary School, said he became curious about what it would be like to meet a foreign delegation in person after seeing news about their visit on his phone. When the opportunity came, he found them to be very friendly. In return, he and his classmates actively engaged in the exchange to gain knowledge.

Retaining international friends

In recent years, the number of foreign non-governmental organizations, foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises, and international associations partnering with the province has steadily grown, accompanied by a corresponding increase in aid. From just over 20 initial partners, Dong Nai has now established ties with more than 60 foreign NGOs, FDI enterprises, and international associations. Notably, many of these partners have been, and continue to be, key contributors in channeling renewed resources to the province.

This result is primarily due to the province's proactive approach in implementing people-to-people diplomatic programs.

The Provincial Union of Friendship Organizations has 10 member friendship associations with over 11,000 members.

According to Tran Thuy Tien, Vice Chairperson of the Dong Nai Union of Friendship Organizations, building trust is key to maintaining long-term partnerships, ensured by the fact that all mobilized resources are used for their intended purposes. During project implementation, the unit also encourages families to contribute additional funds to make their homes more spacious and well-built. Localities actively allocate counterpart funding to combine with resources from foreign non-governmental organizations in carrying out projects. As a result, each partner recognizes the value and significance of the aid provided, the initiative of each beneficiary household, and the proactive and committed involvement of all levels of government in Dong Nai Province.

Another important factor that retains foreign non-governmental organizations, FDI enterprises, and foreign associations is the affection of the people.

Darell Smart, representative of LDSC, said: "In our work, we always aim to visit communities directly, to see, to listen, and to speak with the people. Along the way, we hear stories of joy from families who have received new homes, and the warm welcome from students benefiting from educational support. These moments help us truly feel the meaning behind what we do. For many years, LDSC has continued to support the province in carrying out social welfare initiatives."

By: Van Truyen

Translated by: Mai Nga - Minho