Congress of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations for the 2026–2031 term: Notable highlights
The Congress of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO) for the 2026–2031 term was successfully held at the Van Khoa Hall, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City. The Congress saw the attendance of central leaders along with a large number of delegates representing agencies, organizations, friendship associations, and international partners.
During the 2020–2025 term, HUFO implemented over 2,800 people-to-people diplomatic activities, attracting over 415,000 participants; and mobilized over 320 billion VND from foreign non-governmental organizations and international partners to carry out social welfare, education, healthcare, climate change response, and sustainable development programs. HUFO's partner network continues to expand, contributing to strengthening friendship and cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and international friends.
The Congress elected the HUFO Executive Committee for the 2026–2031 term, consisting of representative delegates from various fields. Among them, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City has two representatives, Dr. Le Hoang Dung and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan – Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies.
Having two representatives participate in the HUFO Executive Committee not only reflects the recognition of the University's contributions to people-to-people diplomacy and international cooperation but also affirms the increasingly prominent role of intellectuals and scientists in academic networking, promoting cultural and educational exchanges, and strengthening friendship between Viet Nam and countries around the world.
Over the past time, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has actively accompanied HUFO through numerous international cooperation activities, people-to-people exchanges, research, and training in area studies, languages, and cultures, contributing to enhancing the position of Ho Chi Minh City in the process of extensive international integration.
The Congress also identified the direction for the new term with a focus on continuing to innovate the content and methods of people-to-people diplomacy; expanding the network of international friends; and promoting the role of intellectuals, entrepreneurs, artists, youth, and higher education institutions in building an environment of peace, cooperation, and development, contributing to the sustainable development of Ho Chi Minh City and the whole country.
