The event marked the 25th anniversary of Vietnamese Family Day (June 28, 2001-2026) and looked toward the 50th anniversary of Saigon-Gia Dinh officially being renamed Ho Chi Minh City (July 2, 1976-2026). It also responded to the nationwide campaign encouraging environmental protection and welcomed the first congress of the HUFO for the 2026-2031 term.
The programme drew the participation of families of consuls general, officials and staff of foreign consulates general in the city, representatives of international organisations and foreign business associations, as well as foreign students and workers living, studying and working in Ho Chi Minh City.
![The Eastern European folk dance performance by members of the Viet Nam-Eastern European Friendship Association at the "Melodies of Friendship" program in 2026. (Photo: VNA)](https://en-cdn.nhandan.vn/images/83707a8946c0c4508b6908fe5cabf02a3c838df1c8a1227831ce0df34c9b648ece9b16b3c478ea165f1aab74fbdd73c73c1c9eaf0c3f8d117fef5429f7e43efd82f632736567d3c9562212ef3ad3a81b1c1bc4c7bf22868e23531b0255392723005397d4a7a3a3a337b0cab5498b4fc5da1da9985ed2a847e881d3532516cdf1/vnanet-potal-giai-dieu-huu-nghi-ket-noi-tp-ho-chi-minh-voi-ban-be-quoc-te-8852468jpg.jpg.avif "The Eastern European folk dance performance by members of the Viet Nam-Eastern European Friendship Association at the "Melodies of Friendship" program in 2026. (Photo: VNA)")
Addressing the event, HUFO President Ha Thanh highlighted the important role of people-to-people diplomacy as a key pillar of Viet Nam's diplomacy, helping implement the Party and State's foreign policy while fostering mutual understanding, trust and cooperation among nations.
![The performance "Song phone py mai" featuring traditional culture of Laos is presented at the event. (Photo: VNA)](https://en-cdn.nhandan.vn/images/83707a8946c0c4508b6908fe5cabf02a3c838df1c8a1227831ce0df34c9b648ece9b16b3c478ea165f1aab74fbdd73c73c1c9eaf0c3f8d117fef5429f7e43efd82f632736567d3c9562212ef3ad3a81b1c1bc4c7bf22868e23531b02553927233f3be1dec0e78c7f3d26f2d094ba5362da1da9985ed2a847e881d3532516cdf1/vnanet-potal-giai-dieu-huu-nghi-ket-noi-tp-ho-chi-minh-voi-ban-be-quoc-te-8852480jpg.jpg.avif "The performance "Song phone py mai" featuring traditional culture of Laos is presented at the event. (Photo: VNA)")
She said cultural and art exchanges provide opportunities for people from different countries to learn about one another's traditions, strengthen friendship and promote peace, cooperation and sustainable development. Holding the programme on the occasion of Vietnamese Family Day also helped showcase the country's family values while further deepening bonds between Ho Chi Minh City and the international community.
Thanh also stressed that environmental protection is a shared responsibility of the international community amid global challenges such as climate change and air pollution. Through the event, organisers hoped to encourage practical actions to build a greener, cleaner and more sustainable living environment.
The programme featured traditional music and dance performances by artists, international students and art troupes from Viet Nam and several countries, including Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, China and Cuba, creating a vibrant cultural space that celebrated friendship and mutual understanding.
