The VPDF was initiated by Nguyen Thi Binh, former Vice President of Viet Nam, and officially established in 2003. As a member of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations, it operates with the mission of promoting peace, friendship, cooperation, and development, safeguarding national interests, and mobilising international support for national construction and defence.
Over the past 22 years, the Viet Nam Peace and Development Foundation (VPDF) has steadfastly pursued its strategic goals in people-to-people diplomacy, gradually expanding its network of friends and partners across regions and affirming its position in both regional and international forums.
These achievements reflect the dedication, intelligence, and responsibility of many generations of leaders and council members of the VPDF, along with close cooperation with domestic and international agencies and organisations.
During the 2019–2025 term, amid rapidly evolving global and regional dynamics and the severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the VPDF has embraced the spirit of “proactiveness, flexibility, creativity, and effectiveness,” remaining committed to its mission, undertaking numerous practical initiatives to foster peace, strengthen friendship, and protect national interests.
It has conducted major diplomatic activities, broadened its network of partners, and maintained close ties with international organisations, NGOs, foundations, and research institutes both within Viet Nam and abroad.
The Viet Nam Peace and Development Foundation's efforts have helped present Viet Nam as a peace-loving, cooperative, and forward-looking nation to both domestic and international audiences.
On multilateral platforms, the VPDF has played an active role in forums such as the ASEAN People’s Forum and the Asia-Europe People’s Forum, as well as United Nations mechanisms including ECOSOC, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). These engagements have helped promote dialogue and cooperation on peace, security, and sustainable development.
The Foundation has made notable strides in research and advisory work. During the 2019–2025 term, it organised nearly 50 seminars and workshops, including international conferences featuring distinguished scholars and experts.
These events addressed strategic topics such as major power relations, global peace and security, the ASEAN regional landscape, international law, the rule of law, and Vietnamese legal frameworks.
VPDF’s analyses, recommendations, and forecasts have provided valuable insights to policy-making bodies. Its external communications have also been enhanced through the upgrade of its bilingual Vietnamese-English website, which attracts over 300,000 visits annually, alongside the publication of various periodicals and conference proceedings.
These efforts have helped present Viet Nam as a peace-loving, cooperative, and forward-looking nation to both domestic and international audiences.
In recognition of its contributions, the VPDF was awarded the First-Class Labour Order on the occasion of its 20th anniversary—an honour that not only acknowledges its achievements but also inspires its staff to continue advancing Viet Nam’s people-to-people diplomacy.
As the world continues to experience profound shifts, the VPDF is preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the 2025–2030 term.
Strategic competition among major powers—particularly between the US and China—continues to shape the global security and economic landscape. Issues such as climate change, pandemics, non-traditional security threats, and rising inequality persist, while the influence of international law and multilateral institutions appears to be waning.
The Asia-Pacific region, especially the East Sea/South China Sea, remains a focal point of geopolitical tension.
Meanwhile, Viet Nam is entering a new development phase, aiming to become an upper middle-income country with a modern industrial base by 2030, and a high-income developed nation by 2045.
With a legacy of 22 years and a strong commitment to innovation, the Viet Nam Peace and Development Foundation continues to establish itself as a trusted people-to-people diplomatic organisation, contributing meaningfully to Viet Nam’s pursuit of peace, friendship, and sustainable development in the new era.
Guided by the spirit of the 13th Party Congress, Viet Nam continues to build a comprehensive and modern diplomatic strategy based on three pillars: Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy.
This presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring the VPDF to innovate its operational approaches.
To meet future demands, the VPDF has outlined four key tasks:
First, innovating diplomatic content and methods: Proactively engaging in multilateral forums, expanding bilateral relations, consolidating traditional partnerships, and forging new cooperative ties.
Second, enhancing research and advisory quality: Focusing on strategic issues related to peace, security, international relations, and sustainable development.
Third, modernising external communications: Increasing thematic publications, leveraging digital platforms, and strengthening the Foundation’s public and international image.
Fourth, reinforcing organisational capacity: Expanding its member and partner networks, rejuvenating its team, and harnessing the expertise of intellectuals, experts, and entrepreneurs.
With a legacy of 22 years and a strong commitment to innovation, the Viet Nam Peace and Development Foundation continues to establish itself as a trusted people-to-people diplomatic organisation, contributing meaningfully to Viet Nam’s pursuit of peace, friendship, and sustainable development in the new era.
ASSOC. PROF. DR. HA HUNG CUONG
President of the Viet Nam Peace and Development Foundation
