Vietnam’s diplomatic efforts in 2025, particularly in the realm of people-to-people diplomacy, have laid a foundation for a pivotal 2026, according to assessments from the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations and broader analyses of the country’s foreign policy. The year saw a strategic intensification of bilateral ties and a more assertive role for Vietnam in regional and global forums, setting the stage for continued engagement and expansion in the coming year.
The global landscape in 2025 presented a complex mix of opportunities and challenges, characterized by intensifying strategic competition among major powers, persistent local conflicts, and a perceived decline in the role of multilateral institutions. Non-traditional security challenges also increased, impacting peace, stability, and development worldwide. Amidst this backdrop, Vietnam proactively pursued its multilateral people-to-people diplomacy, aiming to foster friendship, understanding, and cooperation, and contributing to the global movement for peace, national independence, democracy, and sustainable development.
A key focus in 2025 was leveraging cultural exchange and diplomatic initiatives to project a positive image of Vietnam internationally. The Union of Friendship Organizations organized numerous large-scale diplomatic activities linked to significant national events, including commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam’s founding. These events served as platforms to express gratitude for international solidarity and support, reinforcing Vietnam’s reputation as a loyal and responsible member of the international community.
The “Continuing the Story of Peace” program, a collaborative effort with Nobel Peace Prize-winning organizations, provided a space for dialogue and reconciliation. This initiative aimed to share experiences of war and cultivate aspirations for peace, embodying the Vietnamese tradition of harmony, humanity, and compassion. The program’s intent was to inspire current and future generations to preserve and promote peaceful values.
Vietnam also actively participated in various international and regional forums throughout 2025, including the Conference on Nuclear Weapons and Hydrogen Bombs, the Japan Peace Conference, the Wan Shou Security Forum, the Dialogue of Civilizations, the Eurasian Peoples’ Forum, and the ASEAN Peoples’ Forum. This engagement extended to defending Vietnam’s human rights record at the United Nations, providing objective information on policies and achievements in the area of human rights, and countering what it characterized as misinformation from certain organizations.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations has outlined five key priorities. First, officials involved in multilateral diplomacy are expected to deepen their understanding of the resolutions passed at the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, as well as related directives on foreign policy and people-to-people diplomacy. This understanding will inform the development of concrete programs and plans with measurable objectives aligned with national development goals.
Second, the organization will strengthen the role of multilateral diplomacy in safeguarding national interests, focusing on proactive monitoring of global trends and countering negative narratives about Vietnam in international forums. This includes disseminating objective information about the country and its people.
Third, efforts will be directed towards promoting interpersonal diplomacy to support economic and technological development. This involves strengthening connections between diplomatic initiatives and the needs of local communities and businesses, with a particular emphasis on attracting Nobel laureates and prominent scientists to Vietnam to foster collaboration with domestic research institutions and companies.
Fourth, the focus will be on deepening the cultural content of multilateral diplomacy, promoting Vietnam’s image as a peaceful, humane, and unique nation. This will involve innovative external information campaigns and “peace education” initiatives to cultivate positive values and enhance the nation’s image.
Finally, the Union of Friendship Organizations will continue to initiate and participate in multilateral initiatives to strengthen connections and cooperation with international partners, reaffirming Vietnam’s proactive and responsible role in regional and global cooperation. This builds on work initiated in 2015 to foster stronger ties and collaborative efforts.
Vietnam’s re-election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026–2028 term, , further underscores its commitment to multilateral engagement and its growing influence on the international stage. The diplomatic successes of 2025, coupled with these ongoing initiatives, position Vietnam for a significant and impactful role in global affairs throughout 2026 and beyond.
The emphasis on people-to-people diplomacy signals a strategic shift towards building stronger, more resilient relationships based on mutual understanding and shared values. This approach is particularly crucial in a world marked by increasing geopolitical tensions and a growing need for international cooperation. By prioritizing cultural exchange, dialogue, and collaboration, Vietnam aims to solidify its position as a trusted and respected partner in the international community.
