Journey to “Time for Peace - Writing the Next Chapter"

On April 30, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), in collaboration with the Peace Boat organisation and two Nobel Peace Prize laureate groups - Nihon Hidankyo and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) - held a cultural exchange programme under the theme “Time for Peace - Writing the Next Chapter", on the Peace Boat vessel docked at Ha Long International Cruise Port (Quang Ninh).
The event conveyed a powerful message of solidarity and the shared responsibility of younger generations to uphold and nurture peace.
The event conveyed a powerful message of solidarity and the shared responsibility of younger generations to uphold and nurture peace.

Representatives from the 2024 and 2017 Nobel Peace Prize-winning organisations joined the programme, alongside peace experts from various countries in the region. The occasion served as a moment for everyone to reflect on history and lessons for the future, while at the same time promising to unite, build bridges of friendship, enhance understanding, and strive to ensure lasting peace.

Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of VUFO, emphasised the historical significance of the event, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification (April 30, 1975 - 2025). It was a reminder of the Vietnamese people’s resilience and a gesture of gratitude to international friends who supported their struggle.

Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of VUFO, speaking at the cultural exchange programme.

Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of VUFO, speaking at the cultural exchange programme.

Through people-to-people diplomacy, cultural exchange, dialogue, and initiatives such as collecting signatures in support of the Hibakusha Appeal, VUFO has worked to build connections, inspire communities, and foster deeper understanding. It has partnered with various Japanese organisations including Nihon Hidankyo, the Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs (Gensuikyo), and the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association in addressing war legacies and raising awareness about the value of peace and the importance of international solidarity in peacebuilding.

Yoshioka Tatsuya, Co-founder and Executive Director of Peace Boat, noted that both Vietnam and Japan have endured the suffering of war. This event provided an opportunity for both nations to share perspectives towards a peaceful and nuclear-free world.

Kuramori Terumi, a survivor of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, shared: “As someone who experienced nuclear war firsthand, I deeply understand the loss, pain, and consequences it brings. I hope, and stand with Vietnam, in wishing for a world without war where all people live in peace.”

At the event, members of the VUFO Youth Union delivered a presentation introducing Vietnam, highlighting key milestones in its struggle for independence, its renewal and development journey, and its path to international integration. They also shared insights into Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development.

VUFO Youth Union representative made a presentation about Vietnam at the event.

VUFO Youth Union representative made a presentation about Vietnam at the event.

As part of the programme, a dialogue titled “Continuing the Story of Peace” took place. It was attended by Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga - former VUFO President and former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam; Kuramori Terumi, atomic bomb survivor and representative of Nihon Hidankyo; Kawasaki Akira, Chair of ICAN; and Lee Jae Young, Executive Director of the Northeast Asia Regional Peacebuilding Institute (NARPI).

The speakers shared diverse perspectives and valuable experiences from their peace advocacy work, encouraging global cooperation, understanding, and a united commitment to safeguarding peace for future generations.

Speakers share diverse perspectives during the cultural exchange.

Speakers share diverse perspectives during the cultural exchange.

Earlier the same day, the international delegates visited and experienced local culture in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.

Peace Boat is an international non-governmental organisation based in Japan, dedicated to promoting peace, human rights, and sustainable development. Its first voyage set sail in 1983. The 2025 journey, which began in Yokohama, Japan, is the 120th voyage of the Peace Boat, with Ha Long, Vietnam being the fourth stop. During this journey, the organisation will launch a special commemorative initiative titled “Time for Peace”, marking 80 years since the end of World War II.

NDO
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